… according to the French saying (un repas sans fromage c’est comme une journée sans soleil). Which highlights perfectly the importance of cheese in France. There are over 400 varieties of cheese in France and each region has its own specialities. In Normandy there are 4 regional cheeses – Camembert, Livarot, Neufchâtel, and Pont-l’Évêque.
The heart-shaped Neufchâtel cheese.
Pont l’Evêque
The distinctive Livarot cheese
Eating cheese seems to be a national past-time with the average person consuming around 25kg. That’s per year! So, how is so much of it eaten? Firstly, the quality of the product is excellent. Normandy’s extensive dairy industry means cows feast on lush green grass. Secondly, it is just the French way of life with most main meals including a cheese course. However, it’s eaten before dessert and with bread rather than crackers. In Normandy a dressed green salad is served with it. And, of course, it wouldn’t be complete without a glass of red wine.
Is your mouth watering already with all this talk of fromage? That’s just one of the joys of coming to France. It’s foodie heaven.
For more information about French cheese and the etiquette of how to cut it, see the video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufXLhEOdsNU
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