Soft cheese facts for kids

Soft cheeses on a market stand

Soft cheese is a delicious type of cheese that's made in a special way. Unlike some other cheeses, soft cheeses are not heated to high temperatures during their creation. This helps them stay soft and creamy! A popular example you might know is Brie.

What Makes Soft Cheese Special?

Soft cheeses are known for their smooth, often creamy texture. They usually have a higher moisture content compared to hard cheeses. This means they contain more water, which keeps them soft. Many soft cheeses have a lovely edible rind, which is the outer layer that forms as the cheese ages.

How Soft Cheese is Made

Making soft cheese is a cool process!

• First, milk (often cow, goat, or sheep milk) is gently warmed.
• Then, something called rennet is added. Rennet helps the milk separate into solid curds and liquid whey.
• The cheesemaker carefully cuts these soft curds.
• Instead of being pressed hard or heated a lot, the curds are often just allowed to drain naturally. This lets them keep their soft texture.
• Finally, the cheese might be aged for a short time, sometimes just a few weeks.

Types of Soft Cheese

There are many different kinds of soft cheeses from all over the world! Each one has its own unique taste and texture.

• Brie: This famous French cheese is very creamy with a white, edible rind. It's often served at room temperature.
• Camembert: Similar to Brie, Camembert is another French favorite. It's usually smaller and has a slightly stronger flavor.
• Ricotta: This Italian cheese is very fresh and soft, often used in desserts or pasta dishes. It's made from the whey left over from making other cheeses.
• Feta: From Greece, Feta is a salty, crumbly soft cheese. It's often brined, meaning it's kept in salty water.
• Goat Cheese (Chèvre): Many goat cheeses are soft and fresh. They often have a tangy, earthy flavor.

How to Enjoy Soft Cheese

Soft cheeses are super versatile! You can enjoy them in many ways:

• On crackers or bread.
• Melted on sandwiches or pizzas.
• In salads for extra flavor.
• As part of a cheese board with fruits and nuts.

Remember to let soft cheeses sit out of the fridge for a little while before eating. This helps them become even creamier and brings out their full flavor!

Images for kids

• 

  Valençay cheese, a goat cheese from France

• 

  Ricotta from Italy

• 

  Swiss Brown cattle grazing on alpage pastures

• 

  Coulommiers, a soft cheese from France

• 

  Brie, a soft cheese from France

• 

  Mimolette, a hard cheese from France

• 

  Queso añejo cheese is either made with goat or cow milk

• 

  Vacherin du Haut-Doubs cheese, a French cheese with a white Penicillium mold rind

• 

  Feta, a brined curd cheese