Brie Cheese – All You Need to Know | Instacart’s Guide to Groceries

What is brie cheese?

Brie is a rich dairy product made with cow’s milk. Brie is named after the region of France where it originated, what is now the department of Seine-et-Marne. Brie is white in color and acquires a grayish tinge under a white coat of mold. Some records date the first brie cheeses as far back as the eighth century. Brie cheese is known for its creamy texture, flavorful rind, and nutty complexity. 

Where is brie cheese made?

Brie is a shining star in the array of cheeses that have become mass-produced and are now available worldwide. Besides France, other countries that produce it include the United States, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.

How is brie cheese made? 

As with all cheeses, the first step is to produce the curd, which is obtained by adding rennet to raw cow’s milk. The combination is then warmed up to a temperature of 37°C. The curd is added to small circular molds and drained for up to 18 hours, a slow and painstaking process that guarantees that all liquid escapes the curd. Cheesemakers need to time these processes like clockwork to achieve the same results with every batch.

But the process is far from over. After draining, the cheese is salted, inoculated with cheese cultures, and then matured for at least 5 weeks. The stronger bries are aged for up to a year, but any more than that, and the grayish layer under the ring can become too moldy and pungent. Like with any cheese, professionals need to find the right balance of aging, flavor, and texture.

By the way, the law requires brie to be pasteurized in the United States, which is not the case in most European countries. That is why the brie you ate on that trip to France was an acquired taste!

What are the main differences between brie and camembert?

Many people confuse brie and camembert cheeses. But they have subtle but important differences that set them apart. For one, the cheese starters added to camembert are stronger, so brie has a milder flavor. To the nose, brie is buttery, while camembert is earthier. Camembert is also the denser of the two when it comes to consistency and texture. Brie is traditionally from the east of Paris, and Camembert is from Normandy.

What are the best wine pairings for brie cheese?

When it comes to white wines, a crisp, fresh Sauvignon Blanc provides the perfect contrast to the creaminess of the brie. You can never go wrong with a spread including chutneys, wafers, and a creamy brie (take it out of the fridge an hour before serving so the texture is just right). Brie is also excellent with champagne, and if you opt for a red, go with fruity, mild varieties such as Merlot or Pinot Noir. The acidity of the grapes makes the nuttiness and saltiness of the cheese pop. 

How do you pick brie at the grocery store?

The best way to choose the brie that is right for you is to position your own personal cheese preference in the “stinky” spectrum. For those who prefer a milder taste and smell, a young brie is the best bet. If you like pungent cheese with a delicious moldy taste, then an aged brie is better. Most commercial brands age their products up to a maximum of 1 year.

And remember, if you are looking to have your groceries delivered, you can easily shop for brie cheese via Instacart. After adding a product to your cart, use the “Instructions” option to notify your Instacart shopper about any preferences or specific directions on how to choose the best products. Shop for brie cheese.

Can I cook or make a sandwich with brie?

When you plan your week’s lunches and make your next food order through Instacart, don’t forget to include a wheel of brie and let it surprise your senses and inspire your culinary imagination! Ripened Brie cheese is ideal for picnics with a French touch and is well complemented with dried fruit such as apricots or figs.

Make sure you order it all in your next food pick-up or delivery order. Whether you’re cooking with this cheese variety or preparing a luscious spread, a wheel or wedge can reach you reliably and conveniently.

Instacart

Author

Instacart is the leading grocery technology company in North America, partnering with more than 1,400 national, regional, and local retail banners to deliver from more than 80,000 stores across more than 14,000 cities in North America. To read more Instacart posts, you can browse the company blog or search by keyword using the search bar at the top of the page.