King of cheeses facts for kids

Have you ever heard of a "king" of cheeses? It's not an official title, but some cheeses are so famous and loved that people call them the "king of cheeses." This special nickname usually means they are considered the best or most important cheese in their home country, or even around the world!

Who is Called the "King of Cheeses"?

Many different cheeses have earned the nickname "king of cheeses." There's no rule about it, but a few are mentioned more often than others. Let's explore some of these royal cheeses!

Parmigiano Reggiano: A True Italian King

Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard, salty cheese from Italy. It's often called the "King of Cheeses" in Italy and by cheese lovers everywhere. It's famous for its rich flavor and how it's used in many Italian dishes.

Brie de Meaux: The French Prince Who Became King

Brie de Meaux is a soft, creamy cheese from France. Its royal story began in 1814 at a very important meeting called the Congress of Vienna. This was a big gathering where leaders from many European countries met to decide how to rebuild Europe after a long war. At this event, Brie de Meaux was declared "Prince des fromages, et premier des desserts," which means "prince of cheeses, and first among desserts." Over time, this title changed to "king of cheeses, cheese of kings," showing just how highly it was valued!

Roquefort: A Blue-Veined Monarch

Roquefort is another famous French cheese, known for its strong flavor and blue veins. It was given the "king" title by Frédéric Leblanc du Vernet in 1869. This shows how much people admired its unique taste and history.

Époisses: Brillat-Savarin's Favorite

Époisses is a very strong-smelling, soft cheese from France. It was praised by a famous French food writer named Brillat-Savarin in the early 19th century. He loved its rich taste, which helped it earn its royal reputation.

Stilton: A British Blue King

Stilton is a well-known blue cheese from England. In 1912, it was also given the informal title of "king of cheeses" by some. Its distinct flavor and creamy texture make it a favorite for many.

Cheddar: A Popular Choice

Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses in the world. While not as consistently called "king" as some others, it has sometimes been given this title due to its widespread popularity and versatility in cooking.

Other Cheeses with Royal Titles

Sometimes, cheeses are called "kings" of a specific type or region:

• Maroilles is known as the "king of strong cheeses" because of its powerful smell and taste.
• Halloumi is often called the "king of cooking cheeses" because it holds its shape well when grilled or fried.
• Västerbotten is celebrated as the "king of Swedish cheeses" in its home country.

Princes and Other Nobles of Cheese

Not all cheeses get the "king" title. Some are called "princes" or other noble ranks. For example, Camembert, another popular French cheese, is often known as the "prince" of cheeses. This shows that even if they aren't the "king," they are still highly respected and loved!