When one thinks about France, immediately we can picture the Eiffel Tower, lovely hills with grape vines, an endless supply of varieties of French cheeses etc. But the real question becomes how many different types of cheese are there in France?
It is no wonder this question fascinated all food lovers and cheese lovers in particular. Given that there are over one thousand kinds available, having French cheeses is like having a million outstanding possibilities all in one country.
More information on the varieties and types of French cheese will be provided, beginning with soft French cheeses to hard French cheeses.
How Many Cheeses are Available in France
An absolute response to the question of how many types of cheese are there in France cannot be provided because the number is in constant change since new ones are always being developed.
People have a tendency to claim, however, that in France there are 365 different cheeses, since this is the number of days in a year. French Residents relish fresh cheese every day of the year.
In reality, this is a grave understatement. Recent estimates, however, state that there are actually more than 1,000 different varieties of cheese in France. This variety may be a consequence of the vast agricultural variety and regional history in France.
Why Is France Famous for Cheese?
The history of France being notorious for cheeses has practical explanations that are derived from the country’s diverse geography and climate. The country supports conducive conditions for dairy farming creating a niche for many indigenous types of cheeses.
It does not matter whether you are looking for a type of cheese resembling Camembert or French for a soft spreadable version, there are amazing varieties of French cheese. The variety not only depicts nature’s gifts to the land but also the skills of French professional cheesemakers.
How Many Cheeses Are There in France in a Year?
When worrying about how many cheeses are there in France in a year, it is clear that there are very new features introduced every year. Dairies and cheesemakers have always come up with new modifications of already available varieties or new cottage cheese.
There are also some cheeses made in summer or in specific regions that count to the amount of cheese produced annually. Although the figure is held to be between 1,200 to 1,500 different types, it is not a prescription as it has been changing as new concepts are embraced by artisanal producers.
Renowned French Cheeses That You Must Experience
The cheese culture of France is underscored by distinctive rigs and the following are among the 10 best French cheeses that you’ll have to try:
- Camembert: A soft cheese with a creamy interior that comes from the Normandy region.
- Roquefort: A blue cheese with a pungent flavor, matured in limestone caves.
- Brie de Meaux: Known in many quarters as the “King of Cheeses“; this cheese is soft with a buttery taste.
- Comté: A French semi-hard cheese very rich with a nutty taste that originates from the Jura region.
- Epoisses de Bourgogne: A strong smelling, creamy French cheese that is soaked in brandy.
- Muenster cheese: A soft and effectual cheese that hails from Alsace that can be melted.
- Chèvre: All types of goat cheeses are included in the description that includes moist and brittle varieties.
- Reblochon: A washed-rind cheese is referred to as a French soft cheese used in the preparation of tartiflette.
- Morbier: This cheese is easily identified because of the presence of an ash marking right in the middle.
- Tomme de Savoie: A semi-hard cheese that has a rustic appearance and gives off a strong earthy taste.
The French Cheese Types – The Soft Cheeses, The Fermes, And The Durs
French cheeses have different families based on texture and methods of production. Here’s a closer look:
French Cheeses Soft Cheeses
- This includes Brie and Camembert which has a soft interior which is encased in a creamy volumetric shape.
- Comprising buttery savory flavors, a soft cheese goes well on spreadable forms like crusty baguette.
French Cheeses Semi-Hard Cheese
- Famous examples are Comté and Cantal brought to us who have a perfect firmer texture, yet have a supple bite.
- Widely used in fondues and gratins, these cheeses are baked too.
French Cheese Hard Cheese
- Dense hard cheeses such as Beaufort or Mimolette (A cheese with orange outside) have a longer aging process which also results in complex flavor.
- They are perfect as thin slices with red wines or are grated on top of completed dishes.
French Cheeses by Region: A Tasty Tour
One of the best ways to know how many different types of cheese are there in France is by going through its regions as each one offers its own specialties:
Normandy
- The land of lush pastures specializes in Camembert and Pont-l’Évêque cheeses which are thick and creamy in nature.
Auvergne
- This mountainous region offers Bleu d’Auvergne and Cantal cheese that ranges from sharp flavored blue cheese to robust earthy ones.
Provence
- The southern region is noted for its goat cheeses, specifically Banon which has a unique taste being wrapped in chestnut leaves.
Burgundy
- This is the origin of Époisses, one of the most highly scented cheeses, for people who wish to taste out strong cheesy flavors.
Who has more Cheese, France or Italy?
The competition between the French and Italian is age-old with the cuisine being the primary point of focus. So, who has more cheese, France or Italy? Italy has its fair collection of cheeses such as the Parmigiano Reggiano or the Gorgonzola but with its numbers, France does seem to grab the title more often due to the vast varieties.
With estimates claiming more than 1200 French cheeses, France has emerged victorious over Italy which makes cheese lovers rejoice.
What is the Most Popular Cheese Among The French?
What is the most popular cheese among the French people? Though opinions differ, people often prefer Camembert cheese. It has a smooth texture with a very subtle flavor that appeals to a lot of people and works great for parties.
But, a few other fans of Brie de Meaux and Roquefort would take offense about their favorite cheese not making it to the number one slot.
Spreadable French Cheese: Great Alternatives for Any Dish
Every French cuisine must include creamy French spreadable cheese such as Fromage Blanc, or Boursin. They have dairy cheese, light in consistency and are meant to be put on a slice of fresh bread or portioned in place with raw vegetables to be eaten as a dip.
Cream Cheese French: A Subtle Treat
Even though it is associated mainly with countries like the U.S, cream cheese french cuisine has its own spin on this cheese. It is richer and incorporated into many French appetizers and desserts, which brings out the wow factor of the dish.
Why Is France Associated With So Many Cheeses?
Cultural and regional considerations answer partially the question “how many different types of cheese are there in France? Each part of the country chooses a local variety and with AOC (Appellation d’origine contrôlée) it is bound to observe the old way of doing things.
This leads to an abundance of tastes and forms and thus, expands the image of France as one of the most cheese second countries.”
So then, how many different types of cheeses are there in France? Even finding a ballpark figure is better said than done because cheese is an ardent sphere of improvement and hence creation, but low and behold – more than 1,200 varieties are there to be had.
All regions take part in enriching this impressive assortment, beginning with the soft cheeses from Normandy and ending with the hard cheeses from the Alps.
If you fall in the latter category – rest assured and venture forth; even the most fastidious of tongues shall be well entertained with French cheeses of different origins and histories.
FAQs:
What is the number of varieties of cheese which exist in France?
Over 1,200 different varieties of cheese in France are believed to exist, and specialists in regional cuisine leave their imprints on this bouquet.
What can one say about the famous French cheeses that are usually known by many?
Others include Camembert, Brie de Meaux, Roquefort, and Comté, which all have a fairly wide popularity.
Which of these countries France and Italy makes more cheese?
Italy has an extensive variety of cheeses, but they are slightly less in number than that of France, which boasts more than 1,200 varieties of cheese.
What cheese should one go looking for when in France?
Camembert has to be added in the list of things that should be explored or tried in the last country, as it is one of the most common and beloved cheeses in France.
What about Roquefort cheese? Is it French blue cheese?
Roquefort is a French blue cheese that is characterized by its strong taste and smoothness of texture.
And what is more traditionally known by the French as well, “a cheese with orange outside”?
Mimolette is a very well-known French cheese with an orange rind and a hard consistency.
