Andy Montoya
Brie is a beloved cheese with a sumptuous yet delicate flavour. It is traditionally made with cow's milk, but there are also goat's milk varieties. When choosing a good brie, it is important to consider its ripeness. The cheese should have a firm outside and a slightly bouncy and creamy inside. The rind should be mild, bloomy, and edible, with a creamy, gooey inside. The flavour should be mostly mild with a subtle tang, earthiness, or nuttiness. The best bries have rich, creamy flavours and a pungent aroma. They are often produced by small-scale artisans. When serving, brie pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, fruits, nuts, and honey. It is traditionally served before dessert and accompanied by champagne or light-bodied red wines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rind | Mild, bloomy, wrinkly |
| Inside | Creamy, gooey, velvety, slightly bouncy and resilient |
| Flavor | Mild, nutty, grassy, tangy, earthy, light, bright, vegetal, buttery |
| Texture | Smooth, silky |
| Smell | Pungent aroma |
| Colour | White |
| Shape | Wheel, wedge, bite-sized |
| Temperature | Room temperature |
| Pairing | Baguette, crusty bread, crackers, fruits, nuts, honey, champagne, red wine, white wine, beer |
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What You'll Learn
Texture: creamy, gooey, and mild
When it comes to picking a good brie cheese, texture is key. A good brie should be creamy, gooey, and mild. But what does that look like in practice?
First, let's talk about creaminess. Brie is a soft cheese, known for its velvety, buttery texture. When ripe, a good brie should be firm on the outside and slightly bouncy and resilient on the inside. If it's underripe, it might be stiff to the touch; if it's overripe, it might be very soft and almost runny. A good test is to try pressing your thumb into the cheese – if it leaves an indent, it's probably ready to eat.
Now, on to gooeyness. A good brie should be melt-in-your-mouth delicious. It should be soft enough that it can be spread on a warm baguette or cracker. If you're looking for a baked brie experience, go for one that's a little firmer, as it will hold its shape better.
Finally, mildness. A good brie should have a mild, buttery flavor. It shouldn't be bland, but it also shouldn't be too strong or pungent. A little tanginess or earthiness is okay, but the overall taste should be mellow and pleasant.
So, when picking a good brie cheese, look for one that's soft and creamy, with a mild flavor. Avoid any that are stiff or overly runny, as these may not be at their optimal ripeness. And if you're looking for a baked brie experience, don't be afraid to go for a slightly firmer option.
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Rind: bloomy and edible
When choosing a good brie cheese, it's important to consider the rind, which should be bloomy and edible. Brie is a type of bloomy rind cheese, and these rinds are characterised by a delicate, fluffy outer layer that has a mould growth. This mould is completely edible and safe to consume, adding a layer of texture and flavour to the cheese.
The rind of a brie cheese is an important part of the cheese-eating experience. When selecting a brie, look for a thin, mild, and bloomy rind. The rind should be slightly wrinkly and have a fluffy texture, indicating that the cheese is ripe and ready to be enjoyed. Avoid brie cheeses with hard, dry, or cracked rinds, as these are signs of an overripe or dried-out cheese.
The bloomy rind of a brie cheese is a result of a specific mould culture, typically Penicillium camemberti, that is encouraged to grow on the surface of the cheese during the cheesemaking process. This mould contributes to the characteristic flavour and texture of the cheese. When young, the rind will be thin and delicate, becoming thicker and more pronounced as the cheese ages.
While the rind of a brie cheese is edible and safe to consume, some people may prefer to remove it due to personal preference. However, it's important to note that the rind does contribute to the overall flavour and texture profile of the cheese. Removing the rind can alter the taste and mouthfeel of the cheese, so it's recommended to give it a try before deciding to discard it.
When serving brie cheese, it's customary to serve it at room temperature to allow the cheese to soften and develop its full flavour. The cheese can be paired with crusty bread, crackers, fruits, nuts, or honey to enhance its flavour and create a delightful culinary experience. Remember, the rind is meant to be enjoyed along with the creamy interior of the cheese!
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Taste: mild with a hint of funk
When it comes to tasting, a good Brie cheese should have a mild and creamy flavor with a subtle hint of funkiness. This "funk" is often described as an earthy, nutty, or mushroomy note that adds depth and complexity to the cheese's flavor profile. It should not be overwhelming but rather provide a pleasant contrast to the cheese's otherwise mild and creamy taste. A good Brie should never taste sour, bitter, or excessively salty. Instead, the flavor should be well-rounded and pleasant, leaving a nice lingering taste in your mouth.
The mildness of Brie cheese is often one of its most appealing characteristics, especially for those who are new to cheese or prefer a more subtle flavor. However, the hint of funk adds a layer of complexity that makes Brie unique and intriguing. This subtle funkiness develops as the cheese ages and is likely a result of the specific bacteria cultures and aging processes used in the cheesemaking process.
The balance between mildness and funkiness can vary slightly depending on the type of Brie cheese and its age. For example, a young, fresh Brie (also known as Brie doux) will have a very mild flavor with just a subtle hint of funk. As the cheese matures, the flavor becomes slightly stronger and more pronounced, reflecting the development of unique microbial cultures during the aging process. Aged Brie (also called Brie noir or Brie Vieux) has been allowed to ripen further, resulting in a stronger flavor with more intense earthy and nutty notes. However, even in these more mature cheeses, the funkiness should always be well-balanced and never overpowering.
When tasting Brie cheese, it's important to allow it to reach room temperature to fully appreciate its texture and flavor. Pairing Brie with complementary foods and drinks, such as sweet honey or jam, or accentuating its funkiness with nuts, dried fruits, or full-bodied red wine, can also enhance your tasting experience.
Remember, the taste of Brie cheese is subjective, and personal preference plays a significant role. While these guidelines can help you identify a good Brie based on its mildness and hint of funk, don't be afraid to explore different brands, ages, and varieties to find the one that suits your unique taste preferences.
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Pairing: crusty bread, crackers, fruits, or nuts
When it comes to pairing Brie with crusty bread, crackers, fruits, or nuts, there are a few things to keep in mind to enhance its sumptuous yet delicate flavour. Firstly, traditional French pairings include crusty baguette or other types of crusty bread that won't compete with the cheese. Plain crackers are another classic choice, providing a convenient base that won't detract from the cheese.
If you're looking for something more substantial, pairing Brie with fruits or nuts can be a delightful option. Fruits such as apples, grapes, or pears are excellent choices, as their acidity brings out the velvety texture of the cheese. Sweet and tangy sides like fig jam or honey also pair well with Brie. For a more indulgent option, consider pairing Brie with candied walnuts or pecans, providing a delightful contrast of earthy flavours.
When creating a cheese plate, an odd number of cheeses is recommended for aesthetic purposes. You can also pair Brie with other cheeses to create a delightful charcuterie experience. For a unique twist, try goat's milk Brie, such as Montchevre triple creme goat Brie, which offers a slightly different flavour profile with a more concentrated and slightly sour dairy taste. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with Brie-style cheeses that combine cow, sheep, and goat milk, such as La Tur, for a super creamy, earthy, and tangy experience.
To elevate your Brie experience, consider baking it until it's oozing or grilling a wheel during warmer months. For beverage pairings, champagne, soft and fruity red wines like Pinot Noir, or acidic herbaceous dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc are all excellent choices. If you prefer beer, opt for hearty options like Scotch Ale, Stout, or fruity beers to enhance the flavour of Brie.
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Storage: wrap in waxed paper or parchment paper
To store brie cheese, wrap it in waxed paper or parchment paper. This will allow the rind to breathe and stay dry. Avoid using plastic wrap for fresh brie. Waxed paper or parchment paper will help to maintain the cheese's texture and flavour, ensuring that it remains soft and creamy. It is important to note that brie cheese should be consumed within several days of cutting into it, as the cutting process halts the ripening. If you are not planning to consume the cheese within a few days, it is best to refrigerate it until your next snacking occasion.
When storing brie cheese, it is essential to create the right environment. The ideal temperature for storing brie cheese is between 35°F and 40°F (2°C to 4°C). If stored at a warmer temperature, the cheese may spoil or develop an undesirable texture. Additionally, ensure that the storage area is dark and has adequate ventilation. Light and heat can negatively impact the quality of the cheese, causing it to spoil faster or develop an unappealing taste or texture.
Another important factor to consider when storing brie cheese is humidity. The ideal humidity level for storing brie cheese is between 75% and 85%. Maintaining the correct humidity level helps prevent the cheese from drying out or becoming too moist, which can affect its texture and flavour. To achieve the desired humidity level, consider using a humidity-controlled container or storing the wrapped cheese in a ventilated bag.
Proper storage of brie cheese is crucial to maintain its quality and extend its shelf life. By following these storage guidelines, you can ensure that your brie cheese remains in optimal condition, retaining its creamy texture and sumptuous flavour. Remember to inspect the cheese periodically for any signs of spoilage, such as mould or an unpleasant odour, and discard it if necessary.
Additionally, it is worth noting that brie cheese can be frozen for extended storage. While freezing may alter the texture slightly, it is a viable option if you wish to preserve your brie cheese for a more extended period. To freeze brie cheese, wrap it tightly in waxed paper or parchment paper and then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you are ready to enjoy the cheese, thaw it slowly in the refrigerator, and then let it come to room temperature before serving.
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