Patrick Oconnell
The Fromagerie Bergeron in Quebec, Canada, is a family-owned cheese factory that produces a variety of cheeses, including the Bergeron Classique, a firm, wax-coated, ripened cheese with a unique taste. The factory was built by the third generation of Bergeron cheesemakers, and the company now participates in the annual Sélection Caseus competition to showcase its best cheeses. While Bergeron cheese is widely available in Canada, it may be more challenging to find in other countries. This paragraph will explore the taste of Bergeron cheese and provide some context on the cheese's origins and availability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavour | Lactic with a slight tanginess |
| Fresh hazelnuts and milk | |
| Texture | Firm and ripened |
| Coating | Wax |
| Type of milk | Pasteurized cow's milk |
| Lactose | Free |
| Pairing | Blonde ale or brown ale |
| Fruity and light red wine | |
| Dry fruity white wine | |
| Availability | Costco in Canada |
| Quebec | |
| Varieties | Gouda |
| Le Fin Renard | |
| Louis-Cyr |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Le Bergeron Classique
The Bergeron family's passion for cheesemaking and commitment to quality have contributed to the success of Le Bergeron Classique and the Fromagerie Bergeron brand. The company participates in competitions, such as the Sélection Caseus, to showcase its best cheeses. Their dedication to innovation and traditional cheesemaking techniques has resulted in a product that is beloved by Canadians and has gained international recognition.
Gruyere Cheese: A Distinctive Look and Taste
You may want to see also
Bergeron Cheese's ingredients
The Bergeron cheese-making tradition is one that has been passed down through the generations, with the current owners of Fromagerie Bergeron being the third generation of cheesemakers in their family. The Bergeron factory, which has undergone multiple expansions, is located in Quebec, Canada, and produces a variety of cheeses, including the Bergeron Classique, Le Fin Renard, Louis-Cyr, and Gouda.
Bergeron Classique, a firm, ripened, and wax-coated cheese, is one of the most well-known varieties. It is made from pasteurized cow's milk and has a distinct taste of fresh hazelnuts and milk, with a lactic flavour and a slight tanginess. The versatility of this cheese makes it a favourite among families, suitable for snacks, gravies, and pairing with beers and wines.
The ingredients in Bergeron Classique cheese include:
- Pasteurized milk: This is the primary ingredient, and it provides the cheese with its characteristic milk flavour.
- Whey protein concentrate: This ingredient is added to enhance the texture and consistency of the cheese.
- Salt: Salt is added for flavour enhancement and as a preservative.
- Calcium chloride: This ingredient plays a role in regulating acidity and moisture in the cheese.
- Bacterial culture: Specific bacteria are introduced to initiate the fermentation process, contributing to the development of flavour and texture.
- Microbial enzyme: These enzymes aid in the breakdown of milk proteins, influencing the cheese's texture and flavour.
- Potassium sorbate: Potassium sorbate is a preservative that helps extend the shelf life of the cheese.
- Natamycin: This ingredient is a natural preservative that inhibits the growth of mould and other microorganisms, ensuring the cheese remains fresh for longer.
The specific ingredients and their proportions may vary slightly, and consumers are advised to refer to the product packaging for accurate information regarding the ingredients and nutritional values.
Mascarpone Cheese: Rich, Buttery, and Tangy Taste Experience
You may want to see also
Where to buy Bergeron Cheese
If you're looking to buy Bergeron Cheese, you can purchase it directly from Fromagerie Bergeron, the cheese factory owned and operated by the Bergeron family since 1989. The factory is located in Saint-Antoine-de-Tilly, Quebec, and offers a range of gouda-type cheeses, including lactose-free options.
You can also find Bergeron Cheese at select Costco locations in Canada. Costco offers the Bergeron Classique Cheese in a 2 x 500 g package, available to retailers with a Costco Business membership and a valid tobacco resale license. However, please note that the Costco Business Centre does not deliver to residential addresses, so you may need to inquire about this product at your local Costco warehouse.
Additionally, some online blogs and reviews suggest that Bergeron Cheese may be available at certain grocery stores in Canada, but it is always a good idea to check with your local retailers for availability and product offerings.
Bergeron Cheese is a versatile option, perfect for snacks or as an ingredient in recipes like gravies. It pairs well with a variety of beverages, including blonde or brown ales, light red wines, and dry fruity white wines.
If you are unable to find Bergeron Cheese in your local shops, you may want to consider similar cheese options, such as cheddar or gouda, which can be found in most grocery stores.
American Cheese: A European Favorite or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Other cheeses by Fromagerie Bergeron
Fromagerie Bergeron is a well-known cheese producer, with a signature Bergeron taste that has been developed by three generations of cheesemakers. The company primarily produces lactose-free Gouda cheese. Every year, Fromagerie Bergeron takes part in competitions to ensure that its cheeses meet consumer expectations and validate their quality.
Other than the classic Bergeron cheese, the company also offers a range of other fine cheeses. Le Bergeron Classique is a firm, ripened, and wax-coated cheese made with pasteurised cow's milk. It has a unique taste of fresh hazelnuts and milk, with a lactic flavour and a slight tanginess. This versatile cheese is perfect for snacks, enhancing gravies, or pairing with a variety of drinks, including blonde or brown ale, light red wine, or dry fruity white wine.
In addition to Le Bergeron Classique, Fromagerie Bergeron also produces other cheeses, such as those recognised in the Sélection Caseus competition. Unfortunately, I couldn't find specific names or details of these cheeses. However, it is known that the company continuously works on expanding its product range to meet the growing market's demands.
Cheese Portioning: Understanding One Ounce of Cheese Visually
You may want to see also
Quebec's cheese culture
Quebec has a rich and diverse cheese culture, with over 500 varieties of cheese produced in the province. The province is a major hub for cheese production in Canada, with more than half of the country's cheese manufacturers located there. Quebec's cheese culture has evolved over the years, with a boom in cheese manufacturing occurring at the turn of the millennium. This boom saw the establishment of numerous cheesemakers between 2001 and 2008, adding to the already extensive array of cheeses available in the province.
The history of cheese in Quebec goes back centuries. It is believed that Samuel de Champlain brought cows from Normandy to Canada in either 1608 or 1610, and the Canadienne breed of cattle is thought to descend from these early imports. In the early days, cheese production in Quebec was heavily influenced by French and British traditions. New France, in particular, developed soft, unripened cheeses characteristic of its metropole, France, while later British settlers introduced styles such as cheddar.
Despite these early challenges, Quebec cheesemakers persevered, and in 1892, the province launched a special export program to showcase the quality of its cheeses. This initiative aimed to position Quebec cheese on par with that of Ontario, and it had some success, as Quebec cheese was sold in the United Kingdom under the Ontario label as late as World War I. The province continued to develop and refine its cheese-making practices, and by 2013, approximately 700 varieties of cheese were being produced by over 100 cheesemakers.
Today, Quebec is known for its wide variety of cheeses, ranging from firm, soft, semi-soft, fresh, blue-veined, and hard cheeses. The province's cheese culture is celebrated through events and competitions, such as the annual Sélection Caseus contest, which awards gold, silver, and bronze prizes to the best cheeses in Quebec. From small-scale dairy farms to large-scale manufacturers, Quebec's cheese culture is vibrant and dynamic, offering something for every cheese lover's taste.
Cheese Exploration: Bryndza's Unique Taste and Cheesy Cousins
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Le Bergeron Classique cheese is a firm, wax-coated, ripened cheese with a taste of fresh hazelnuts and milk. It has a lactic flavour with a slight tanginess.
Bergeron cheese is available at Costco in Canada. It is also available at Fromagerie Bergeron's boutique locations.
Canada has a rich cheese culture, with innovative and passionate artisan cheesemakers. Some popular cheeses include soft Brie from Quebec, Balderson cheddar, blue Stilton, and Gouda curds.
