Mimolette

Mimolette is a type of cheese originating from France. It is also known as Boule de Lille after its city of origin, Lille, or Vieux Hollande for its resemblance to Edam from Holland.

History

The production of Mimolette was encouraged by Louis XIV, who was seeking a native French product to replace the then very popular Edam. To differentiate it from Edam, however, he had it colored with annatto to result in its distinctive orange hue.

Production

Mimolette is made by incorporating annatto into the cheese curd during production to give it a distinctive orange color. It is then shaped into a round ball and aged for a minimum of two months to upwards of two years. During the aging process, the cheese is regularly turned and brushed to remove the cheese mites that contribute to the aging process and give Mimolette its distinctive flavor.

Characteristics

Mimolette is a hard cheese with a brittle texture. It has a nutty flavor that deepens and becomes more complex with age. The cheese has a smooth, thin rind that darkens with age. The interior of the cheese is a vibrant orange, with the color becoming more intense as the cheese ages.

Serving

Mimolette can be served as a table cheese or used in cooking. It pairs well with robust red wines and dark beers. It is often used in salads, pasta dishes, and on cheese boards.

See also

• List of French cheeses
• List of cheeses