Mont des Cats cheese facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mont des Cats |
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| Region | France |
| Town | Mont des Cats |
| Source of milk | Cow's milk |
| Fat content | 50% |
| Aging time | min. 2 months |
| Named after | Lua error in Module:Wikidata at line 70: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). |
Mont des Cats is a special type of cheese from France. It was first made in 1890 by Trappist monks. This cheese is known for its unique orange color and rich flavor.
It is made from cow's milk, which comes from local farms. The cheese has a fat content of 50%, making it quite creamy.
How Mont des Cats Cheese is Made
Making Mont des Cats cheese takes time and care. After the cheese is formed, it needs to age for at least two months. This aging process helps the cheese develop its flavor and texture.
During this time, the cheese is regularly washed. It is washed with salted water that contains a special dye. This dye is made from annatto seeds.
The Secret to its Orange Color
The annatto dye is what gives the cheese its bright orange rind. Annatto is a natural food coloring. It comes from the seeds of the achiote tree. This tree grows in tropical areas.
Annatto is often used to give foods a yellow or orange color. It is also used in some traditional dishes. For Mont des Cats cheese, it gives the rind its famous look.
Who are the Trappist Monks?
The Trappists are a group of Christian monks. They belong to a very old order called the Cistercians of the Strict Observance. Monks in this order live a quiet life of prayer and work.
Many Trappist monasteries are self-sufficient. This means they produce their own food and goods. They often make things like beer, bread, and cheese. This helps them support their community. The Mont des Cats monastery is famous for its cheese.
