Bushra Griffith
Bucheron, also known as Bûcheron or Boucheron, is a French goat cheese that resembles a snow-covered log. It has a distinctive appearance with a soft, ribbed rind and a bright white interior. The cheese is known for its mild flavour, making it a good option for those new to goat cheese. When serving Bucheron, it is recommended to bring it to room temperature before serving. It can be paired with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, spread on crackers, or served with slices of fresh fruit such as figs or apples. For a quick dish, the cheese can be broiled until browned and bubbling, and served with baguette toasts.
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How to store bucheron cheese
Storing Bucheron cheese correctly is essential to preserve its unique flavour and texture. This French goat's milk cheese is a semi-soft variety, ripened for 5 to 10 weeks, and produced as short logs that weigh 3 to 4 pounds.
When storing Bucheron, it is important to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity level. The ideal temperature range for storing this cheese is between 35°F and 40°F (1.7°C to 4.4°C). To ensure proper humidity, store the cheese in a container with a moisture-retentive lining, such as a ceramic box with a damp cloth or specialised cheese paper. This will help maintain the optimal humidity level of around 85%.
Bucheron cheese should be stored in the refrigerator, with the storage container placed in the warmest part of the fridge, usually the top shelf. It is important to avoid storing Bucheron in an airtight container as it needs to breathe. Instead, wrap the cheese loosely in waxed paper or specialised cheese paper, ensuring that it is not exposed to too much air, which can dry out the cheese.
For longer-term storage, Bucheron can be frozen. Cut the cheese into portions and wrap them tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminium foil. Label the packages with the date and store them in the freezer. Frozen Bucheron can be kept for up to 6 months, but it is important to note that freezing may affect the texture and flavour of the cheese.
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What to serve bucheron cheese with
Bucheron, a classic French goat cheese, is known for its distinctive log shape and snow-white interior. Its flavour is mild, making it an excellent choice for those new to goat cheese, while its dual texture and bright, lactic taste appeal to aficionados.
When serving Bucheron, it is recommended to allow the cheese to reach room temperature, so remove it from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. It can be sliced or crumbled and served on a cracker or baguette toast. For a simple yet elegant pairing, spread Bucheron on a cracker with blueberry preserves, or try it with slices of crisp Granny Smith apple. For a more indulgent option, place the cut side of the cheese under a broiler until browned and bubbling, and serve with baguette toasts.
To complement the cheese's delicate flavour, consider pairing Bucheron with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc. For a more unusual combination, serve it with slices of ripe fig, which will restore "balance and peace to the universe", according to one source.
Bucheron can also be used in cooking. For example, it can be crumbled over chilaquiles or used to top eggs in a tomato and kale sauce.
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What to pair bucheron cheese with
Bucheron is a classic French goat cheese named for its resemblance to a snow-covered log. Its mold-ripened rind has an extra-silky creamline that leads to a clay-like, bright white center. The flavor is mild, with a dual-textured paste and bright, lactic, citrusy notes. It is creamy and flaky, with a slightly sweet interior and a faintly tangy, savory rind.
Bucheron can be paired with a variety of foods, depending on your preference. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a dish. Here are some ideas for what to pair Bucheron with:
- Fruits and Preserves: Bucheron pairs well with fresh or dried fruits, such as slices of ripe fig, apples, or blueberries. It can also be served with fruit preserves, jams, or honey.
- Bread and Crackers: This cheese is delicious when spread on crackers or crusty French bread, such as a baguette.
- Salads and Vegetables: Bucheron can be added to spinach salads or served over fresh greens. It also goes well with roasted vegetables or grilled veggies, such as eggplant or zucchini.
- Nuts: Try pairing Bucheron with Marcona almonds or other types of nuts for a crunchy contrast.
- Meat: Bucheron can be added to burgers or sandwiches, providing a creamy and tangy element. It can also be served with charcuterie, such as salami or prosciutto.
- Wine: When it comes to wine pairings, Bucheron goes well with Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Godello, Sancerre, Vouvray, Cabernet Franc, Amarone, Malmsey, Ruby Port, or red wine blends.
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How to cook with bucheron cheese
Bucheron, also known as Boucheron, is a French classic goat's milk cheese. It is named for its resemblance to a snow-covered log and is produced as short logs that weigh 3 to 4 pounds. The cheese has a mold-ripened rind with a silky creamline and a clay-like, bright white centre. With a mild taste and semi-firm texture, Bucheron is a versatile cheese that can be used in cooking in a variety of ways.
When cooking with Bucheron cheese, there are several options to consider. Firstly, it can be baked in the oven and served with honey, chutney, or fruit jam. The sweet and tangy flavours of baked Bucheron pair well with these condiments, creating a harmonious flavour profile. Additionally, Bucheron can be melted and bubbled by broiling, forming a delicious topping for baguette toasts or crisp apple slices. This method of preparation, often referred to as "Bubbling Bucheron," involves placing the cut side of the cheese under a broiler until the top is browned and bubbling. It is then served with toasts or apple slices for a quick and elegant dish.
Another way to cook with Bucheron cheese is to incorporate it into salads. Its flaky texture and bright, citrusy notes add a delightful dimension to fresh greens. When paired with a simple vinaigrette and perhaps some nuts or dried fruits, Bucheron can elevate a salad to a new level of flavour and sophistication. Furthermore, for a heartier meal, Bucheron can be used as a topping for pizzas or flatbreads. Its creamy texture and mild flavour make it an excellent cheese to melt atop a bed of fresh dough, perhaps paired with some complementary ingredients such as sliced apples, arugula, or even a drizzle of honey.
While Bucheron is most often enjoyed in its natural form or slightly melted, it can also be used as an ingredient in cooked dishes. For instance, it can be incorporated into pasta sauces, adding a creamy texture and a subtle tanginess to the dish. Additionally, Bucheron can be used in stuffed dishes, such as stuffed chicken or mushrooms, where its soft and flaky texture can be a wonderful surprise. It is important to note that when cooking with Bucheron, one should be mindful of its mild flavour and adjust seasoning accordingly.
When storing Bucheron cheese, it is recommended to use cheese paper or specialised cheese storage paper. This helps to maintain the optimal humidity levels, preventing the cheese from drying out while still allowing it to breathe. Proper storage ensures that the cheese retains its ideal texture and flavour, making it a delightful addition to any meal, whether served as a standalone cheese course or incorporated into cooked dishes.
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How bucheron cheese gets its name
Bûcheron (sometimes spelled Boucheron, Bucherone, Boucherond, or Bucherondin) is a goat's milk cheese native to the Loire Valley in France. It is named for its resemblance to a snow-covered log, with the word 'buche' meaning 'log' in French. Bûcheron also means 'woodcutter' in French.
The cheese is produced as short logs that weigh between 3 and 4 pounds (1.4 to 1.8 kg). These logs are then sliced and sold as small rounds in food stores. Bûcheron has an ivory-coloured pâte surrounded by a bloomy white rind. It is semi-aged, ripening for 5 to 10 weeks, and has a mild taste when young. As it ages, Bûcheron develops a softer texture and a sharper, more intense flavour.
Bûcheron is a classic French cheese and was one of the first goat cheeses from France to be imported to the United States. It is known for its creamy and flaky texture and bright, citrusy notes. Bûcheron can be enjoyed on its own or paired with wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, or a pale rose. It is also commonly used in cooking, melted into quiches, crostini, or steak.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to store Bucheron cheese in the refrigerator, wrapped in the cheese paper it is often packaged in. This helps to maintain the cheese's breathability while also preventing it from drying out.
It is best to serve goat cheese, including Bucheron, at room temperature. Therefore, take the cheese out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving.
Bucheron is a semi-firm goat cheese with a mild flavour and a harder texture when young. As it ages, the flavour intensifies and the texture becomes softer. It has a noticeable but faint "goaty tang" and earthy notes.
A glass of Sauvignon Blanc is recommended to pair with Bucheron cheese.
Bucheron cheese can be served over fresh greens or spread on crackers with blueberry preserves. It can also be broiled and served with baguette toasts or slices of crisp Granny Smith apple. Additionally, it can be crumbled over dishes like Chilaquiles Verdes or goat cheese-topped eggs in a tomato and kale sauce.
