Marie Harel

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[[file:Vimoutiers_-_Marie_Harel_Bought_Back_To_Life_In_1953_By_a_Group_Of_American_Farmers.jpg}}</ref>|thumb|right]] Marie Harel (28 April 1761 – 9 November 1844) was a French dairymaid who is credited with inventing the Camembert cheese. She was born in Crouttes, a small village in the Normandy region of France.

Early Life

Marie Harel was born Marie Catherine Fontaine in the village of Crouttes, in the Orne department of Normandy. She married Jacques Harel, a farm laborer, and they settled in the nearby village of Camembert.

Invention of Camembert Cheese

According to legend, during the French Revolution, Marie Harel sheltered a priest from the region of Brie, who was fleeing the revolutionary forces. In gratitude, the priest shared with her the secret of making a soft, creamy cheese. Marie Harel adapted this recipe using the rich milk from the cows of Normandy, and thus, Camembert cheese was born.

Legacy

Marie Harel's contribution to the world of cheese-making has made her a celebrated figure in the history of French cuisine. The village of Camembert has become synonymous with the cheese, and her legacy is honored in the region. A statue of Marie Harel stands in the town of Vimoutiers, commemorating her role in the creation of Camembert cheese.

See Also

• Camembert cheese
• Normandy
• French Revolution
• Brie (cheese)
• Vimoutiers