If this is your favorite cheese, then you know exactly what I mean when I ask, is brie supposed to be fuzzy?
I’m sure I’m not the only person who has been tempted to run my hand across the top of a piece of brie, as it looks so inviting!
But it does have a peculiar texture, not one that is usually associated with cheese.
It’s similar to cat fur, soft and fluffy.
With a hint of powderiness.
So, let’s find out if fuzzy brie is normal!
As the brie ripens, it develops a white mold that has a fuzzy texture. This is completely normal and does not indicate a problem with the cheese. The mold appears on the rind of the brie, and this is known as blooming. The spores have a soft, furry texture, like that of a cat. In France, it is known as poil de chat, literally translated as cat fur. The mold will typically be penicillium candidum and is also found on similar cheeses such as Camembert. The mold is encouraged to grow by an affineur, an expert in aging cheese.
What Does Brie Look Like?
If you are not too familiar with brie, you may have seen it and wondered if it was supposed to look furry.
Obviously, its appearance can be a bit off-putting and weird.
But don’t be alarmed, this is completely normal, and brie is created to be fuzzy!
Speaking personally, it’s one of my favorite cheeses, but it did take a while before I was persuaded to eat the rind.
Especially when you find out that the fuzzy texture on the brie is actually mold!
Typically, you will buy a whole brie, small or large, and the exterior should be bright white in color.
It should have that delightful fuzzy appearance, which some people describe as being like a cat.
In fact, in France, Brie is known as poil de chat, which translates as cat fur!
The mold is likely to be penicillium candidum, and it is completely harmless.
In fact, it genuinely enhances the flavor of the brie!
There are other cheeses too that are classed as part of the same family, such as Camembert, that have a fuzzy rind.
The development of the mold is known as blooming, and it’s the spores that are soft and fluffy.
Should You Remove the Fuzzy Rind on Brie?
Now that we have established that brie is supposed to look fuzzy, what do you do with the moldy rind?
After all, it doesn’t look that appealing!
But surprisingly, you are certainly recommended to eat it, and it is said to enhance the flavor of the cheese.
I can vouch for that; it really makes a difference.
But admittedly, it’s not a pleasant sensation when you first put it in your mouth.
Once you have gotten over that, you can begin to appreciate the subtle earthy taste it adds to the brie.
Some describe it as being like brown or burnt butter, but to me, it’s more like a mushroom flavor.
However, I appreciate that some of you will not be persuaded to eat the fuzzy rind under any circumstances!
In fact, this is a subject that needs more information, so head over to my article on removing the rind on brie.
The development of the mold is actually encouraged by a professional, an expert in how to age cheese, known as an affineur.
Everyone’s Buying French Brie After Seeing This Genius Idea
Final Thoughts
Brie is supposed to look fuzzy; this appearance is caused by the presence of mold.
It does not affect the cheese; it is safe to eat.
In fact, it is recommended to consume the rind, as it enhances the flavor of the brie.
The mold, which is called penicillium candidum, produces spores that bloom and then create a fluffy texture.
So, next time you treat yourself to brie, why not try eating the rind too?