Camembert
A soft cow’s milk cheese from Normandy, with a white mold rind. Similar to Brie but smaller and more intensely flavored, it is served baked or at room temperature on a cheese board.
What Is Camembert?
Camembert is a soft, white mold-rind cheese made from cow’s milk in the Normandy region of France. It is considered part of the same family as Brie, but is made in a smaller diameter (about 11–12 cm) and generally has a slightly more intense, mushroomy, ammonia-like aroma.
As it ripens, the inside becomes runny; a fully ripe Camembert is soft enough to eat with a spoon. It is traditionally sold in a wooden box.
Camembert’s Nutrition Facts
Camembert is a high-fat soft cheese that contains approximately 300 kcal of energy, 19.8 g of protein, and 388 mg of calcium per 100 g.
What Are the Benefits of Camembert?
Camembert is a cheese that contains calcium and protein; because it is high in fat and salt, it is recommended that it be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
This is general information; Camembert is a food and does not replace medical treatment. Varieties made with unpasteurized milk are not recommended during pregnancy; checking the label is important.
How to Choose Camembert
When buying Camembert, look for a white, intact rind that yields slightly when pressed; avoid pieces that are excessively hard or runny.
- Choose products in wooden boxes with a recent production date.
- The rind should not have gray or brown spots.
- An excessively sharp ammonia smell may be a sign of spoilage.
How to Store Camembert
Camembert stays fresh for 1–2 weeks in the refrigerator in its original box; pieces without a box should be wrapped in waxed paper.
Using Camembert in the Kitchen
Camembert is used on cheese boards, in baked appetizers, and in pairings with apple and walnut.
How to Bake Camembert
Remove Camembert from its wooden box, lightly score the rind, place it back in the box or in an oven-safe dish, and bake at 180°C / 355°F for 15–20 minutes until the inside is runny; serve with breadsticks.
What Recipes Use Camembert?
Baked Camembert, cheese boards, Camembert sandwiches, and apple-and-walnut pairings are among the best-known ways to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Camembert good for?
It is a cheese that contains calcium and protein; it can be eaten in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
What is the difference between Camembert and Brie?
Camembert is smaller and generally has a more intense, mushroomy aroma; Brie is larger and has a relatively milder flavor.
How should Camembert be stored?
It stays fresh for 1–2 weeks in the refrigerator in its original box; after opening, it should be wrapped in waxed paper.
Can you eat the rind of Camembert?
Yes, the white mold rind is edible and is part of the cheese’s aroma.
How should Camembert be served?
It is recommended to serve it at room temperature when fully ripe and runny, with bread or crackers.