Bleu de Bresse facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bleu de Bresse |
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| Country of origin | France |
| Region, town | Bresse |
| Source of milk | Cow |
| Pasteurized | yes |
| Texture | creamy |
| Aging time | 2-4 weeks |
| Certification | no AOC |
Bleu de Bresse is a special type of blue cheese from France. It was first made in the Bresse area after World War II. This cheese is made from cow's milk.
It has a unique look and taste. The outside of the cheese is a firm, white crust. It smells a bit like mushrooms. Inside, Bleu de Bresse is very creamy, much like Brie cheese. You will see patches of blue mold inside, which is normal for blue cheeses. This cheese usually comes in round shapes. Each round weighs between 125 and 500 grams.
How Bleu de Bresse is Made
Making Bleu de Bresse involves a few steps. First, the milk is turned into curds. These curds are mixed with a special kind of mold called Penicillium roqueforti. This mold helps give the cheese its blue color and unique flavor.
Next, the curds are put into a mold with holes. This helps the cheese get its round shape. After it forms, the cheese is taken out of the mold. Then, it is salted and turned over often. This helps it drain and develop properly. Finally, a white mold called Penicillium camemberti is added to the outside. This creates the white crust you see on the cheese.
The History of Bleu de Bresse
Bleu de Bresse was created in 1951. It was made by a group of farmers working together near a town called Servoz. At that time, Italian cheeses were becoming very popular. The farmers wanted to create a new French cheese that people would enjoy.
One new idea they had was to sell the cheese in small, ready-to-buy rounds. This was quite new for cheese sold in stores back then. It made Bleu de Bresse easy for people to buy and enjoy.
