Frederic Melton
There are many varieties of cheese that are known for their pungent aroma, with some people even enjoying the smell of manure in their cheese. Washed-rind cheeses like Époisses tend to be the stinkiest, and the process of washing the rind with salt water, liquor, or water helps build a distinct flavor by attracting certain bacteria, such as Brevibacterium linens, which also lends a reddish hue to the rind. Some examples of stinky cheeses include Morbier, which has been described as smelling like baby poo, Stinking Bishop, which has been compared to old sweatsock funk, and a cheese from the Pyrénées with a rind that has been said to smell like cow dung.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese name | Morbier, Stinking Bishop, St. Marcellin, Rainbow's Gold, Époisses, Red Hawk, Roquefort |
| Cheese type | Cow's milk cheese, pasteurized cow's milk cheese, blue cheese, traditional Camembert, Brie, goat cheese, triple-cream cheese |
| Cheese origin | French mountains, Gloucestershire, Somerset, England, Pyrenees, France |
| Smell | Baby poo, cow dung, manure, cigar smoke, rotting flesh, sweat, compost, barnyard |
| Taste | Creamy, nutty, sharp, sweet, nutty, acrid |
| Texture | Gooey, oozy, nutty, creamy |
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What You'll Learn
Why some cheeses smell like poop
Some cheeses smell like poop due to the presence of certain bacteria, particularly Brevibacterium linens (B. linens), which is intentionally introduced during the cheese-making process. B. linens contribute to the distinct aroma and flavour of these cheeses.
Washed-rind cheeses, such as Époisses, Stinking Bishop, and Red Hawk, are known for their potent odour. The washing process involves rubbing the rind with a salt brine, liquor, or water, creating an environment conducive to the growth of B. linens and other bacteria. This bacteria produces an intense, pungent aroma that can be reminiscent of manure or other unpleasant scents.
Additionally, the type of milk used and the ageing process can also influence the smell of cheese. For example, Morbier, a cow's milk cheese from the French mountains, is known for its distinctive layer of ash and strong odour, resembling baby poo to some. Another factor is the region of origin; for instance, cheeses from the Pyrénées are often associated with a manure-like smell, attributed to the aroma profiles of farmers' milk in those areas.
The intensity of the smell is usually stronger than the actual taste of the cheese. While the odour may be off-putting to some, many people appreciate these cheeses for their unique flavour profiles, which can include notes of creaminess, sharpness, or nuttiness. Serving temperature and pairings can also influence the perception of the cheese's aroma and flavour.
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Examples of cheeses that smell like poop
There are several varieties of cheese that are known for their pungent odours, often described as resembling "poop" or "manure". Here are some examples:
St. Marcellin is a pungent cow's milk cheese from the Rhone-Alps region of France. It has been described as smelling like poop, although this may be due to it being past its prime.
Morbier is a cow's milk cheese from the French mountains, recognised by the layer of ash that runs through its middle. It is known for its strong smell, which has been likened to "baby poo" or "compost". Despite its odour, Morbier is said to have a surprisingly pleasant taste.
Stinking Bishop is an infamous washed-rind cheese from Gloucestershire, England. It is washed in perry (pear cider), which contributes to its strong aroma. Stinking Bishop has been described as having an "old sweatsock funk".
Époisses is another washed-rind cheese, this time from France. It is known for its intense smell, which has been described as "stinky" and "pungent". The rind of Époisses is formed using washes of salt water during the aging process, contributing to its bold flavour and aroma.
Roquefort is a French cheese that is known for its strong smell and taste. It can be challenging to pair with other foods due to its pungency.
In addition to these examples, there are several other types of cheese that can have a poop-like odour, including some blue cheeses, traditional Camembert, Brie, and small-format goat cheeses like Crottin. The smell of these cheeses is often a result of the bacteria and washing processes used during production, which create distinct flavours and aromas.
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How to make cheese smell less like poop
Some people enjoy the smell and taste of pungent cheeses, but if you're not a fan, there are a few things you can try to make your cheese smell and taste less like poop.
First, consider the type of cheese you're eating. Some cheeses, like Morbier, Époisses, Stinking Bishop, and Rainbow's Gold, are known for their strong odors and may not be the best choice if you're sensitive to pungent smells. Opting for milder cheeses will help reduce the likelihood of encountering strong odors.
If you're already dealing with a smelly cheese, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the odor. One option is to cut away or scrape off the rind, as the rind is often the source of the strongest smells. This is especially true for washed-rind cheeses like Époisses, which are rubbed with a salt brine, liquor, or water to create an environment that attracts bacteria and produces a distinct aroma. Removing the rind can help reduce the intensity of the smell.
Another option is to pair the cheese with other foods. Eating the cheese warm or pairing it with sweeter foods like fruit can help blunt the flavor and make the smell less noticeable. You can also try melting the cheese, as this can sometimes reduce the intensity of the odor and alter the flavor profile.
Additionally, proper storage can make a difference. If your cheese has a strong odor, make sure to store it properly to prevent the smell from permeating your refrigerator. Wrap the cheese tightly in wax or parchment paper, then place it in an airtight container or a resealable bag. This will help contain the smell and prevent it from spreading to other foods.
Finally, aging and ripening can affect the smell and taste of cheese. Younger cheeses tend to have milder odors, while more mature cheeses can develop stronger, more complex aromas. If you find the smell of a particular cheese overwhelming, try opting for a younger version of the same variety, as it may have a milder odor.
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Why people like cheese that smells like poop
There are several types of cheese that have been described as smelling like poop, including St. Marcellin, a pungent cow's milk cheese from the Rhone-Alps area of France, and a nine-month-aged French Gruyere. While some people may be deterred by the strong odour, others seem to enjoy the taste of these cheeses. For example, in one instance, a child described St. Marcellin as smelling like poop but still chose to eat it and asked for more. In another case, a user on Reddit described a hard cheese from the Pyrénées with a "greenish tough rind with black specks" that smelled like cow dung. Despite the unpleasant aroma, the user noted that the actual cheese tasted great.
So, why do some people seem to like cheese that smells like poop? One possible explanation is that the strong odour is often associated with strong flavours. Some people enjoy strong-flavoured foods, including cheese, because they provide a more intense sensory experience. In addition, the smell of manure or "barnyard" aromas in cheese can be intriguing or even appealing to some individuals. These scents can indicate that the cheese has been aged or produced in a specific way, which may be desirable for those who appreciate complex or unique flavours.
Another factor that may contribute to the appeal of cheese that smells like poop is cultural or regional differences. What is considered a pleasant or acceptable odour can vary across different cultures and geographic locations. For example, certain types of cheese that are highly valued in one region may be seen as overly pungent or unpleasant in another part of the world.
Additionally, individual differences in taste and smell perception can play a role. People have varying sensitivity to different odours, and what one person perceives as a strong, unpleasant smell may be less noticeable or bothersome to another.
Lastly, context and pairing can influence the enjoyment of strong-smelling cheeses. As suggested by a Reddit user, eating strong-smelling cheese warm or pairing it with sweeter foods like fruit can help blunt the flavour and make it more palatable.
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How to pair cheese that smells like poop
There are several varieties of cheese that are known for their pungent odours, often likened to that of poop or manure. While some people may be deterred by these strong scents, others appreciate the unique and complex flavours that these cheeses offer. If you're looking to pair a cheese that smells like poop, here are some tips to guide you:
Identify the Cheese
Firstly, it's important to identify the type of cheese you're dealing with. Some well-known cheeses that have been described as smelling like poop include Morbier, Époisses, Stinking Bishop, and certain cheeses from the Pyrénées region. Each of these cheeses has its own distinct characteristics, so understanding the specific cheese you're working with is essential for successful pairing.
Understand the Science Behind the Smell
The strong odour in these cheeses is often a result of the bacteria Brevibacterium linens, which develops during the cheese-making process, particularly in washed-rind cheeses. This bacteria not only contributes to the smell but also influences the flavour, creating an intense and complex taste profile.
Pairing Techniques
When it comes to pairing cheese that smells like poop, consider the following approaches:
- Sweet Companions: Sweet foods can help balance the strong flavour of pungent cheeses. Try pairing your cheese with fruits such as apples, pears, or berries. Honey or jams can also provide a delightful contrast to the savoury notes of the cheese.
- Crunchy Accents: Adding a crunchy element, such as nuts or crackers, can provide a textural contrast to the creaminess of the cheese. Look for neutral-flavoured crackers or toasted bread to avoid overwhelming the palate.
- Briny Bites: Pickles, olives, or other briny foods can cut through the richness of the cheese and provide a refreshing contrast.
- Meaty Matches: For heartier options, pair the cheese with cured meats like salami, prosciutto, or crispy bacon. The saltiness of the meat can complement the cheese's bold flavour.
- Beverage Pairings: When it comes to drinks, consider a crisp beer, a fruity wine, or a refreshing cider to balance the intensity of the cheese.
Experiment and Enjoy
Remember that everyone's taste preferences are unique, so feel free to experiment with different pairings to find the combinations that suit your palate. While the smell may be off-putting to some, these cheeses can offer intriguing and complex flavours that are worth exploring.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell of cheese is usually stronger than the taste. Washed-rind cheeses, like Époisses, tend to be the stinkiest of all. Washing the rind of a cheese—meaning rubbing it down with a salt brine, liquor, or water—helps build a distinct flavour by creating an environment that attracts certain bacteria. The most dominant and common bacteria is Brevibacterium linen (B. linens), which lends a reddish hue to the rind in addition to an austere flavour and a robust, somewhat stinky aroma.
Some of the stinkiest manure-like cheeses are washed in fermented juice such as pear cider (Perry). For example, the infamous Stinking Bishop. Other examples include Morbier, a cow's milk cheese from the French mountains, Rainbow's Gold, a cheese made from unpasteurized cow's milk in Somerset, England, and St. Marcellin, a pungent cow's milk cheese from the Rhone-Alps area of France.
Yes, eating the cheese warm, or pairing it with sweeter things like fruit, can help blunt the flavour.
