2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Mont d’Or is a popular French cheese, which is produced only in the area of the French-Swiss border. The places where the unique product is prepared are over 800 meters above sea level.
The cheese is also known among the French as Vacherin du Haut-Doubs. In Switzerland it is called Vacherin Mont-d’Or. It is among the soft cheeses with washed rind. Together with Beaufort and Munster, it ranks in the list of the most expensive cheeses in France. Like Comte cheese, Mont d’Or is made only from cow’s milk.
History of Mont d’Or
There is evidence that in the eighteenth century Mont d’Or was produced by shepherds grazing herds of cows in the Jura region. It is believed that the dairy product began to be produced in order to make practical use of the milk given by the animals during the autumn-winter season. This milk is usually in smaller quantities than the milk produced during the spring-summer season. The second season's milk usually produces larger cheeses such as Emmental and Raclette.
The cheese is named after the highest mountain located in the province where it is made. An important moment in the history of cheese Mont d’Or is its acquisition of AOC / Appellation Origin Controlled / status in 1981 in France. This status certifies that the cheese is produced only at the Franco-Swiss border and in compliance with a certain technology. In Switzerland, the dairy product acquired the same status much later in 2003.
Manufactured by Mont d’Or
Mont d’Or is a seasonal product, which means that it is prepared only in the autumn-winter period. Production begins in mid-August and lasts until the first half of March. It is believed that the quality of milk is different during the rest of the time and therefore the milk substance is used in other foods. This type of cheese is usually made with unpasteurized milk, but in the Swiss variety it is possible to use pasteurized.
For the production of one kilogram of cheese you need about seven liters of cow's milk, which is heated to 35 degrees. Yeast is added to the milk. The whey must then be drained and the resulting curd-like substance is pressed lightly. The cheese is left to mature in a special oval dish made of spruce.
The ripening itself takes place in basements at a temperature of 15 degrees, where the cheeses are periodically turned and rubbed with brine. Thanks to the shape in which it is placed Mont d’Or and the technology in the production process enriches the taste of the cheese. The time for which the dairy product matures is between five and seven weeks. The resulting cheese is sold in stores from September 10 to May 10.
Characteristic of Mont d’Or
You will recognize the cheese by its moist, golden or reddish rind. The inside of the cheese is soft, almost liquid, with an ivory color. The creamy structure of the product is a reason to scoop it out of the box with a spoon when it needs to be used.
The fat content in Mont d’Or amounts to 45 percent. Its taste is pleasant, delicate and refined. Resinous notes are often felt when eating. The aftertaste is reminiscent of forest and light dew. The aroma of Mont d’Or can be associated with the scent of wood, mycelium and potatoes.
Choice of Mont d’Or
Mont d’Or is available on the market in the form of cakes. They are round in shape and are placed in wooden boxes of different sizes. However, they are all made of spruce. Otherwise, two types of cuts are known - small and large. The small pie has a diameter of 12 to 15 centimeters and weighs from 500 grams to 1 kilogram. The large one is up to 30 centimeters high and weighs 2 to 3 kilograms.
When you decide to buy exactly this expensive French cheese, you should be absolutely sure that you will get an original product, as there are many imitations of Mont d’Or. Be aware, however, that only the original cheese is sold in wooden spruce boxes. Its copies also do not have the AOC status that is marked on the package.
Cooking at Mont d’Or
Mun d’Or can be served alone or combined with a bottle of quality wine. Gourmets are of the opinion that both white dry and red wines are suitable for him. We assure you that you will get a memorable combination if you serve the elegant French cheese with wines such as Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Rose, Chardonnay and more.
According to culinary virtuosos, Mont d’Or is among the cheeses suitable for fondue. Other such cheeses are Gruyere, Emmental, Comte and Fontina. Fondue is usually prepared by heating a little white wine in a special vessel, then adding the cheese to it. Add more potato flour and mix the ingredients well. It is then seasoned with spices such as cumin, black pepper and nutmeg. Optionally, garlic is added.
The cheese is suitable for sauces and is therefore used to flavor spaghetti, pasta, pasta, risotto and potatoes. Its soft texture allows the use of desserts such as rolls, cakes, pancakes, pies and any other pastries.
