what is brie cheese

In today's article I will explain to you in a very detailed way what Brie cheese is, and why it is so famous all over the world.

Brie is a soft, creamy, buttery cheese produced all over the world. It has a smooth, flowery edible rind made of white mold and a rich, creamy center.

Brie cheese is typically made from cow's milk, although it can also be produced from goat's milk. The cheese is rich in fat and calcium, with a decent amount of salt. It is also rich in protein and vitamins A and B-6, as well as minerals, including selenium.

I hope this initial taste has aroused your curiosity? If so, then stay tuned and continue reading this article, which will certainly increase your knowledge of this delicious cheese.

What is Brie cheese?

Many people ask us, and rightly so, what is brie cheese anyway? For many it's quite unknown and that's why we want to clarify it for you.

Brie is a white, soft cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It has a white moldy rind, which is considered a gourmet delicacy. Brie originates from Seine-et-Marne, France, and is a soft farmhouse cheese.

Brie has a distinctive flavor, buttery, fruity and increasingly earthy as it ages. It has a runny, creamy texture and a distinct earthy aroma.

Authentic French brie cannot be imported into Brazil because it is made with raw milk and would therefore have to be aged for at least 60 days to be eligible for import. Unfortunately, that amount of time would make the brie too ripe to be consumed. 

However, French brie can be found in Brazil, where it is made as a soft-ripened cheese with a creamy white interior and white rind and comes in slices. Stabilized French brie is cut before ripening to give it a longer shelf life.

The taste is buttery, rich and characteristic of traditional French brie made from raw milk. It becomes earthier and fruitier with time. Brie made from pasteurized milk has a milder taste than real French brie.

Brie is one of the best-known French cheeses and is also made in other countries, such as Brazil, the United States, etc. Pasteurized whole and skimmed cow's milk, as well as goat's milk, are used to make national and international versions of brie.

Origin of Brie cheese

Before we go into more detail about brie cheese, it is essential to understand its history and identity.

The best known of all the Bries is the Brie de MeauxIn our opinion, it's the greatest of them all. This wonderful, buttery, earthy cheese has been a royal favorite on many occasions.

Brie De Meaux is still made by hand, albeit 50 kilometers east of Paris, in the Ile-de-France region. It has a long history, dating back more than twelve hundred years!

In the Middle Ages

The AOC Brie de Meaux was originally founded in the Middle Ages by the monks of the Priory of Rueil in Brie. Its acclaim began when, in 774, Charlemagne, the French emperor, visited the Priory and discovered a cheese that pleased him so much that he asked for it to be sent to his castle in Aachen.

In 1217King Philippe-Auguste considered the cheese so excellent that he sent two hundred Brie de Meaux cheeses to all the members of the court as New Year's presents.

The famous poet Eustache Deschamps was a lover of cheese but not of France; he said "Brie de Meaux is the only good thing to come out of this country“. 

During Louis XVI's famous escape from prison in Sausse, Varennes, he missed critical intervals to satisfy his ravenous hunger with Brie and red wine.

In the 16th century

Brie de Meaux cheese made its name in France, but it also caught the attention of some foreign rulers. At the time, King Henry IV of England was charmed by Brie cheese during a dinner with the Queen at the old castle of Meaux on February 15, 1594.

The story goes that afterwards, the Queen always asked for the cheese to be served to please her husband and, according to legend, he preferred to enjoy a Brie with his wife, Queen Margot, rather than with his mistress, Gabrielle d'Estrées.

In the 19th century

It was in the 19th century that Brie de Meaux really saw its popularity soar.

At one of the most prestigious banquets in history, the Congress of Vienna, the 19th century French diplomat Talleyrand is said to have called for a pause in the division of nations following the fall of the French Empire in order to organize a cheese contest. 

The most delicious variety of cheeses from around the world has been chosen, and everything has been carefully scrutinized.

The Count of Ségur presented Limberger, Stilton was represented by Lord Castlereagh of England, Baron de Falck of the Netherlands nominated Limberger, Italy chose Strachino, and Switzerland selected the Gruyere cheese as just a few examples.

The Duke of Talleyrand remained silent until the end, when the Brie was brought to the table.

After the vote, everyone praised French cuisine and declared that there was no other cheese that came close to Brie de Meaux, proclaiming it the new king of cheeses: "Le Roi des Fromages“

Brie cheese flavor

The taste of brie cheese is very similar to camembert cheese. For many people, it tastes grassy, salty, nutty, fruity and mushroom-like. Its taste cannot be compared to other cheeses, such as gruyere or the gouda. 

Compared to camembert, brie has a milder flavor with a more buttery and creamy touch. For camembert, the taste and aromas are earthy and more intense.

The white mold rind on brie cheese is also edible and very tasty. Brie cheese can be used in a variety of ways, but it should be kept in the coldest part of your fridge to prevent it from going rancid too quickly.

What are the different types of Brie cheese?

Brie is a well-known cheese, which has resulted in numerous variations over the years. The French government, on the other hand, recognizes only two versions as authentically French:

• Brie de Meaux
• Melun Brie

These are the two types of brie cheese that are recognized and authenticated, all the other types of brie cheese do not have this recognition, however they are still very tasty cheeses with a very high gourmet refinement.

These are the five best-known types of brie cheese in the world:

• Brie de Meaux - This Brie comes from the town of Meaux and has a mild taste and smell. It is produced in large molds, usually weighing around 1.5 kg.
• Melun Brie - This Brie has a stronger flavor and aroma than Brie de Meaux. It is made in smaller wheels, typically weighing around 1.3 kg.
• brie noir - It's a type of brie cheese that has been aged for longer than the typical five weeks. It is darker, drier, crunchier and tastier than younger brie.
• Double- and triple-crème brie - Cheeses labeled "double-" or "triple-crème" have extra cream added to the mixture before the curd is formed. Double-crème cheese has a butterfat content of at least 60%, while triple-creme requires at least 75%.
• Herbed Brie - While most brie cheese is sold plain, there are also brie cheeses where herbs and other ingredients are added during the manufacturing process. The most common ingredients are thyme, rosemary and garlic.

Differences between Brie and Camembert cheese

Brie and Camembert can be served in the same way, have comparable histories, and are produced from similar recipes, but there are significant distinctions between them. Here's what you need to know about each of them.

History and Origin

Although there is no official record, it is believed that Brie cheese has been around longer than Camembert.

Although both cheeses originate in France, Brie comes from Ile-de-France, and its name is derived from the Brie region. Camembert, on the other hand, is made in Normandy, in the northwest of France.

Production

Brie and Camembert are both cow's milk cheeses, but one of them has the higher fat content. Brie has more milk fat because the addition of cream results in a creamier texture.

You can also buy triple cream Brie cheese, which is extremely soft, creamy and delicious.

Size

This is one area where these two cheeses really stand out. Until I bought both at the same time, I'd never noticed it before. Maybe you never noticed it either.

Brie cheese is often sold by the slice, a wedge from the larger wheel, while Camembert is sold whole in its characteristic form. 

The reason for this is that Brie, on the other hand, comes in a much larger size. A wheel of Brie measures between 22 and 42 centimeters in diameter, while Camembert is only 13 centimeters width.

However, the “baby Brie" is currently sold in many supermarkets, which is comparable in size to Camembert but has a more delicate flavor.

flavor and texture

Camembert and Brie are very similar in terms of taste. Both are said to taste nutty, fruity, herbaceous, earthy and even mushroomy.

The variations in flavour are subtle, but Brie has a creamier, more buttery taste, while Camembert has a deeper, earthier and more savoury flavour and fragrance.

Health benefits of Brie cheese

The health benefits of Brie cheese are attributable to its richness in proteins, vitamins and minerals.

Brie cheese is rich in casein protein, vitamin B12 for energy production, calcium for strong bones, and vitamin A for a stronger immune system response.

Brie cheese can help reduce weight and can be included in a balanced diet...

Can help with weight loss

In the past, people were advised to avoid full-fat dairy products such as brie cheese for weight loss, as the fat in dairy products was thought to cause weight gain.

It turns out that this is not the case. For there is no direct link between full-fat milk and body weight, according to a study published in the European Journal of Nutrition.

Casein, which is a milk protein found in most cheeses, including brie, is a high-quality protein that is loved by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts.

This is due to its long-lasting protein feeding capabilities. Casein protein is slower to digestSo it's great for prolonged periods without eating, such as overnight.

It helps you stay fuller for longer and eat fewer calories. Studies have shown that a diet rich in casein can help you lose weight, especially when combined with an exercise routine.

The person will have better control over food choices and will consume less in general, since a high protein diet is more satisfactory.

Can increase energy and mood

A serving of Brie cheese contains a good amount of vitamin B12 or cobalamin, which is an important nutrient for healthy nerve function.

The synthesis of DNA and the normal activity of nerve cells are dependent on vitamin B12. Since the body is unable to synthesize vitamin B12 on its own, it must be obtained from the diet.

We risk a vitamin B12 deficiency if you don't consume enough, known as megaloblastic anemiaIn this case, we are left with a condition called cholesterol, in which our body is unable to effectively transport oxygen to the vital organs. This condition causes weakness and tiredness.

It's important to increase your intake of vitamin B12to both prevent a deficiency and improve energy levels.

In addition, a deficit of vitamin B12 has been linked to a severe depression. Vitamin B12 is also beneficial for those suffering from adverse symptoms of vitamin B1 deficiency.

For people with depression, higher levels of vitamin B12 have been linked to better recovery results, indicating a boost in mood.

May contribute to bone strengthening

Brie cheese is one of the few dairy products that meets or exceeds the recommended daily intake for calcium (5%). Calcium is an important mineral involved in the formation, strength, and healthy bone growth.

According to one study, taking calcium supplements and eating more calcium-rich foods can help reduce bone fragility.

If you don't consume enough calciumYour bones can weaken and put you at risk of osteoporosis. You should consume between 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of calcium daily to ensure the recommended levels of this vitamin.

Can boost the immune system

The vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin that contributes to the development and strengthening of the immune system. It has strong anti-inflammatory properties, which help boost the immune system's response and fight viral infections such as the common cold and stomach flu.

A lack of vitamin A can occur if you don't eat enough foods that are rich in this vitamin. It's also something to think about, since a vitamin A deficit is the most prevalent disease in the world.

The vitamin A deficiency, On the other hand, it can make you more susceptible to disease and have a harder time fighting off infection.

May promote heart health

Although brie cheese is rich in saturated fat, it also contains a variety of other components that can benefit heart health, such as protein, calcium and vitamin D. In addition, recent studies suggest that full-fat dairy products such as brie may be beneficial for the heart.

One research published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism in 2021, concluded that the consumption of dairy fat was linked to a reduction in the incidence of heart disease.

Although the results are encouraging, the researchers stress that further research is needed to determine how full-fat dairy products affect heart health.

Nutritional value of Brie cheese

Nutritional data per slice of brie cheese (approximately 28g) are:

nutrients	The amount
calories	95 Kcal
Fat	7.9 g
Sodium	178 mg
carbohydrates	0 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	0 g
Protein	5.9 g
Calcium	52.2 mg
Phosphor	53.3 mg
Vitamin A	168 IU
B12 vitamin	0.468 mcg

calories

A 28g slice of brie cheese has 95 calories. Its calorie content is mostly made up of fat, with the rest coming from proteins. Brie cheese contains around 75% of fat and 25% of protein in calories.

fats

A 28g slice of brie cheese has 7.9g of total fat, 4.93g of saturated fat, 2.27g of monounsaturated fats, and 0.23g of polyunsaturated fats.

Saturated fats should represent about 10% of the total daily intake of fats, while the rest should come from unsaturated varieties. Monounsaturated fats make up 2,27 grams in a single slice of brie cheese.

Protein

Brie cheese is rich in dairy proteins. A 28 gram slice contains 5,9 grams of protein. Brie is made with whole milk, water, protein (casein and whey), fat, sugar, vitamins and minerals are its main components.

During the cheese-making process, the water and whey are removed, leaving only curdled casein.

Vitamins and Minerals

Brie is a nutrient-rich cheese, rich in calcium, phosphorus, vitamin A and vitamin B-12. A 28 gram slice of brie cheese has 52 milligrams of calcium.

It also contains 7% of the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of phosphorus, 20% of the RDA of vitamin A, and 20% of the RDA of b12 vitamin.

how Brie cheese is produced

The key to achieving the right consistency and full spectrum of tastes is to allow the Brie cheese to take care of itself. The ripening and smoothing of the rind are fundamental to the development of flavor and texture.

The process is started with pasteurized or raw milk from cows, and enzymes and rennet are added to the milk to help it coagulate. A yeast culture is also added to encourage white mold. 

After the curd has hardened, it is cut and rolled into molds, with any extra whey being removed. It is then carefully sprinkled to preserve its mild flavor while preventing excessive mold growth.

The cheese is then aged for a week, allowing the rind to develop and the complexities to improve. Brie cheese is normally matured from firm to ripe between 4 to 5 weeks, in order to have a more slippery texture.

The use of raw or pasteurized milk depends on the type of Brie. Likewise, each cheese has its own unique set of rennet requirements.

Organic Brie is often pasteurized, but if you're not sure, checking the label or asking the seller is usually a good idea.

how to store brie cheese

Find out how to store Brie cheese so that it lasts as long as possible and doesn't spoil.

Room temperature

Brie should be served at room temperature after being refrigerated. Remove the cheese from the fridge an hour before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Although brie cheese tastes best eaten fresh, it can only be left at room temperature for a maximum of 4 hours, after which time it should be put back in the fridge.

Best way to store Brie in the fridge

The ideal way to store fresh Brie is in the vegetable drawer of the fridge and in its original unopened packaging.

How long does Brie cheese last in the refrigerator drawer unopened in its original packaging? When stored correctly, brie can last up to two months in the fridge.

However, wrap it in kraft paper or wax paper after opening the cheese. Avoid storing it in plastic wrap, since whole cheeses need to breathe.

How to store Brie in the Freezer

If you're wondering how long Brie will last in the freezer, it's safe to say that the freezer is an option. Although most people believe that freezing soft cheese is not a good idea and that the best place to keep Brie is in the fridge. Although this is preferable to having to throw the cheese away.

To freeze the whole Brie, wrap it in aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer bag and push out as much air as possible before sealing. Put it in the freezer and use it to make baked or grilled Brie.

To freeze slices of Brie, line a baking tray with a silicone mat and place the slices of cheese in a single layer to prevent sticking. Then put the tray in the freezer for several hours until the cheese has solidified, after which you can put the cheese in a freezer bag or an airtight container in the freezer.

To thaw the brie cheese, remove it from the freezer and place in the refrigerator. Thin slices take approx. one hour to defrost, A whole cheese will take all night to defrost completely. Thawing brie cheese is not necessary if you intend to melt the cheese.

How to eat Brie cheese

When preparing Brie, take it out of the fridge 60 minutes before serving. The cheese will be creamier if you let it come to room temperature before eating.

Place the wheel or wedge on a tray with a knife and your choice of accompaniments. If serving a wheel, cut one or two small wedges ahead of time. This will give your guests an idea of an appropriate portion size.

If serving a wedge, don't cut off the end of the cheese, which is often the tastiest part. Instead, cut along the side of the wedge. This will ensure that everyone can taste every part of the cheese.

Brie tastes best when eaten slowly. There's no need to scoop out half the wedge, spread the cheese or make a sandwich with it. Just combine a small piece of cheese with a small piece of bread for an elegant yet simple meal.

And yes, you can eat the rind! In fact, it's considered gauche by some to just scrape the inside of the cheese and avoid the rind. Once again, go ahead and set an example for your guests in case they get confused.

What drinks go with Brie cheese

Brie cheese is complete with the drink that goes perfectly with it. So I'll show you which drinks go best with this delicious cheese.

Chardonnay

One of the most distinctive characteristics of brie is its total fat. It is a cheese with a high fat content. To cut through the fat, brie needs an acidic counterpart that is sharp. A Chardonnay with which to serve the cheese makes an excellent combination.

The acidity of the wine helps to cleanse the palate, preventing the richness of the cheese from overpowering it. The wine has enough body to balance the creaminess of the cheese, which makes it an excellent addition.

Pinot Noir

Brie cheese tends to take on a mushroom-like texture that becomes more prominent as the cheese matures.

Pinot Noir may not be the first wine that comes to mind when I think of a milder cheese, but it's the perfect complement to the cheese's distinctive flavors. It's also acidic and light enough not to overpower.

Chenin Blanc

Brie has a delicate nutty aroma, similar to almonds. A lightly oaked Chenin Blanc, with the same nutty subtlety, is also wonderful.

The crispness of the apple and pear notes in Chenin Blanc contrast with the nuttiness of the brie and help to bring them out. The strong acidity of this wine helps to reduce the high fat content of the brie.

Riesling

The taste of brie has been compared to freshly churned butter. A slightly dry Riesling will complement the delicate sweetness of the cheese well.

Riesling grapes are more difficult to grow, and the resulting wine is high in acidity. This Riesling has just a little sweetness to complement the sweetness of the cheese, but still has plenty of acidity to prevent the combination from becoming cloying. Dry Rieslings are also compatible with this cheese.

champagne

Brie is a wonderful match for the toasty flavor and breeziness of Champagne due to its buttery, earthy tones.

Champagne is just as acidic as Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. This acidity complements the deliciously fizzy quality of sparkling wine in a similar way to Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc.

Brie, on the other hand, softens the fruity characteristics of Champagne, while increasing its crisp acidity. Brie with a little baguette is one of the best combinations with Champagne.

Sauvignon Blanc

White wine goes very well with soft, creamy cheeses like brie, as the crisp whites complement them. Sauvignon Blanc is another good match because it is typically paired with goat's cheese, which has both earthy and sour tones. The crisp, fruity qualities of the wine invite these elements out.

Brie can be produced from goat's milk. Goat's milk brie is earthy, sour and nutty, with a mild flavor profile. A Sauvignon Blanc can help bring out these tastes. The wine also has a significant level of acidity, which the cheese will appreciate as it cuts through the fatty flavors.

If you like a Sauvignon Blanc, don't be afraid to pair it with a goat's milk brie. Consider a glass with the cheese on its own or with a cranberry, brie, apple and thyme crostini.

Brie cheese substitutes

If you're looking for a cheese to replace brie, because it doesn't exist in your region or for any other reason, check out the best options:

camembert

Camembert cheese is a good substitute for Brie because it tastes very similar to Brie. Camembert is also a native French aged cheese that is usually served at room temperature. It is smaller in diameter than Brie, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in flavor.

Matured cheese, on the other hand, has a more intense flavor when compared side by side, which will certainly give your meal a unique taste.

When substituting Camembert cheese for Brie, you should bear in mind that Camembert cheese can have a more slippery texture.

Fromager d'Affinois

This French cheese is an excellent substitute for Brie. It is made by Fromagerie Guilloteau and has the same characteristics as Brie.

Like Brie, it is a soft, double-ripened cream cheese. The only difference is that Fromager d'Affinois undergoes an ultrafiltration process.

This process offers a pleasant, sweet flavor that can turn any simple brie recipe into something you'll love to make every day.

If you don't have Brie cheese, you can use Fromager d'Affinois as a substitute. The only disadvantage of using Fromager d'Affinois is that it has a stronger flavor than Brie cheese.

When using this cheese as a substitute, use only half the amount compared to brie.

Explorateur cheese

Soft cheese with triple cream is also a native French cheese. It is an aged cow's milk cheese, like Brie. It was produced in the Île-de-France region of France in the 1950s to commemorate the first American satellite, “Explorer”

The taste of Explorador is soft and buttery, with hints of mushrooms and fruity undertones; it can be a wonderful compliment to your meals. The cheese has a firm interior that softens as it ages.

Explorateur cheese has a mild flavor similar to Brie cheese, making it an excellent substitute. When substituting, use a 1:1 ratio.

Recipes that use Brie cheese

Neste momento você já deve estar bem esclarecido em relação ao queijo brie. No entanto falta algo muito importante para terminarmos em beleza 🙂

I'm referring to some of the best recipes that use brie cheese as one of their main ingredients.

Check it out now!

3 Ways to Make and Eat Brie Cheese

Normally I bring you 3 different recipes, but today I'm sharing a video recipe that offers 3 recipes using this delicious cheese.

But the part I liked the most was the fact that it was very simple, easy and quick to make, but with a divine result!

final words

If you've come this far, it's because you were interested in reading this article. It's wonderful for our team in the vê kitchen that we've been able to please you.

Now that we've finished, let us know if you've had brie cheese and what you think of its taste.

If you liked this content or if you have any suggestions on how we can improve future articles, your comments are very welcome and will help us by sharing with people who are interested in this subject.

Common questions

If you still have doubts about Brie cheese, here are some questions we've been asked about this delicious cheese.

Check it out now!

Can you eat raw brie cheese?

It is not recommended to eat raw brie cheese unless it has been matured and aged for at least 5 to 6 weeks. Although young brie cheese is very tasty, you shouldn't make it for food safety reasons.

What does brie cheese taste like?

The taste of brie cheese is very similar to camembert cheese. For many people, it tastes grassy, salty, nutty, fruity and mushroom-like. Its taste cannot be compared to other cheeses, such as gruyere or the gouda. 

Can you eat the brie rind?

Yes, you can clearly eat the rind of brie cheese, and to be honest with you, the rind is the tastiest part of this cheese.

Why is brie cheese bitter?

then a less suitable coagulant may have been used, which could cause the bitter taste in the brie cheese.