Cheese story
What is Neufchâtel?
A Normandy bloomy-rind cheese often shaped as a heart.
Origin
Normandy, France
Milk
cow
Board role
Soft / creamy
Cheese profile
Country
France
Region
Normandy
Milk type
cow
Texture
soft-ripened
Rind
bloomy white rind
Ageing
8 to 10 weeks
Vegetarian
Check the rennet / producer
Milk treatment
varies
Flavour profile: mushroomy, salty, creamy
Origin, protection and character
Neufchâtel comes from France, especially Normandy. Its character comes from the balance of milk, texture, rind, ageing and local serving traditions.
Protected status
PDO/AOP
Typical ageing
8 to 10 weeks
How to serve Neufchâtel
cheese boards, bread, baked dishes
Good food matches
cider
Champagne
apples
Serving tip
Take it out of the fridge before serving so the texture softens and the flavour opens up. Softer cheeses usually need less time than hard aged cheeses.
Buying tip
Look for clean aroma, good texture and a style that matches the board: fresh and bright, soft and creamy, hard and nutty, blue and salty, or bold and washed-rind.
