Cornish Brie

Cornish Brie

File:Cornish Brie.jpg

Cornish Brie

Cornish Brie is a type of soft cheese that originated in Cornwall, England. It is made from cow's milk and has a creamy texture and a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Cornish Brie is often compared to its French counterpart, Brie de Meaux, but it has its own unique characteristics.

History

The production of Cornish Brie dates back to the early 1980s when a small dairy in Cornwall started experimenting with making soft cheese. Inspired by the success of French Brie, they aimed to create a similar cheese using locally sourced ingredients. After several trials and refinements, Cornish Brie was born.

Production

Cornish Brie is made using traditional cheese-making techniques. The process starts with pasteurized cow's milk, which is heated and then mixed with a starter culture and rennet. The mixture is left to coagulate, forming curds. The curds are then cut and gently stirred to release whey. The curds are molded into round shapes and left to mature for several weeks.

During the maturation process, the cheese develops a white, bloomy rind and a soft, creamy interior. The rind is edible and adds a distinct flavor to the cheese. Cornish Brie is typically aged for around four to six weeks before it is ready to be consumed.

Taste and Texture

Cornish Brie has a smooth and creamy texture that becomes softer as it ages. The cheese has a pale yellow interior with a thin, white rind. It has a mild, buttery flavor with subtle hints of mushroom and nuts. The taste becomes more pronounced and complex as the cheese matures.

Serving and Pairing

Cornish Brie is best enjoyed at room temperature. It can be served on its own or paired with various accompaniments. Some popular serving suggestions include:

• Freshly baked bread or crackers
• Sliced apples or pears
• Grapes or berries
• Honey or fruit preserves

When it comes to pairing, Cornish Brie goes well with light-bodied white wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. It also pairs nicely with sparkling wines like Champagne or Prosecco. For non-alcoholic options, a cup of black tea or apple cider can complement the cheese's flavors.

Availability

Cornish Brie is widely available in specialty cheese shops and supermarkets, both in Cornwall and throughout the United Kingdom. It is also exported to various countries around the world, allowing cheese enthusiasts to enjoy its unique taste and texture.