Époisses

What Is Époisses?

Époisses is a very soft cow’s milk cheese from Burgundy, France, with an orange-red washed rind. As it ripens, the rind is regularly wiped with salt water (sometimes with local grape pomace); this process gives it its strong aroma and color.

As it matures, the center becomes almost runny, creamy, and soft enough to scoop with a spoon. Its aroma is very sharp, but its flavor is milder than expected: salty, savory, and rich.

Nutritional Value of Époisses

Like other soft washed-rind cheeses, Époisses contains about 320 kcal per 100 g, a moderate to high amount of protein, and a high amount of fat; it is rich in calcium. These values are approximate estimates based on a similar profile.

How Should Époisses Be Eaten?

Époisses is high in fat and salt, so it should be eaten in moderation. Some varieties are made with raw (unpasteurized) milk, so pregnant people and people with weakened immune systems should choose a pasteurized variety.

This is general information; Époisses is a food, not a medical treatment.

How to Choose Époisses

Good Époisses has a moist, shiny orange rind and yields when pressed gently. It should look full and nearly runny in its wooden box; if the center is rock-hard, it has not ripened enough.

• The rind should be moist, shiny, and orange
• The center should feel soft when pressed gently
• It should be kept in its wooden box

How to Store Époisses

Store Époisses in its wooden box, covered, in the refrigerator; keep it separate so its strong aroma does not transfer to other foods. Bring it to room temperature before serving to open up its flavor.

Using Époisses in the Kitchen

Époisses is most often served on a cheese board with fresh bread and red wine; it can also be warmed in the oven and spread on bread. Its flavor is intense, so it is used in small amounts.

Why Does Époisses Smell So Strong?

Regularly wiping the rind with salt water encourages odor-producing bacteria to grow on the surface; the sharp aroma is a natural result of this washed-rind method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the smell of Époisses affect its flavor?

Although its aroma is very sharp, its flavor is usually milder, salty, and creamy; the taste is not as strong as its smell might suggest.

How do you eat Époisses?

Eat it at room temperature: scoop it with a spoon and spread it on fresh bread. The rind is edible, though its flavor is very intense.

Is Époisses suitable for everyone?

Varieties made with raw milk are not recommended for pregnant people or people with weakened immune systems; these groups should choose a variety made with pasteurized milk.