What is the outer layer of brie cheese? - John Eats Cheese (2024)

FAQs

What is the outer layer of brie cheese? - John Eats Cheese? ›

The outer layer of brie is called the rind. Cheese rinds are important characteristics which help us identify, which cheese is which.

The cheese is encased with a firm white rind on the outside. The rind is, in fact, a white mold called Penicillium candidum, which cheesemakers inoculate the cheese with. This edible mold blooms on the outside of the paste and is then patted down, over and over again, to form the rind.

Yes, the soft “crust” of brie, called a bloomy rind, is edible. It grows when the beneficial molds and bacteria used in making cheese are sprayed onto the surface of the cheese before aging. The mold then produces enzymes which help the cheese ripen from the outside in (opposite of how hard cheeses ripen).

It's customary to enjoy the whole wheel, rind and all. Though eating the rind on top and bottom is very standard, some may feel the need to cut off the perimeter bits. This isn't necessary and wastes beautiful cheese. The rind isn't hard and tastes exactly like the interior, so don't be afraid!

Yes, the rind is generally safe to eat

Unless there is wax, cheesecloth, or paper on the rind, Bivins says you don't need to worry about getting sick if you eat it, which Food & Wine has pointed out before.

Unlike other rinds, the white moldy brie rind is edible and is usually eaten along with the softer interior. If you do not want to eat the rind, it is easy to trim from a refrigerated brie, or bring the cheese to room temperature, slice off the top and scoop out the soft center with a spoon.

In fact, the question here shouldn't be “can” I eat the rind, more like “should” I eat the rind, because (unless the cheese is coated with an inedible substance like wax or cloth), rinds are totally safe to eat. At the end of the day, it really comes down to your personal preference.

The easiest way to use cheese rinds is to cook them on the grill, griddle or barbecue, hardest side face down. Alternatively, you can simply bake them in the oven until they soften. Serve immediately, perhaps with vegetables or cold cuts.

Based on some studies, there are many health benefits of eating brie cheese. According to some studies, it might reduce inflammation and improve immunity. It might also aid in digestion if had in moderation.

If you want to serve cheese as the French do, you should serve it to your dinner guests as an individual course before your dessert. Doing this allows the Brie to have a moment in the spotlight. However, many people also serve Brie as an appetizer with fruit, meat, and crackers.

What is the correct way to eat brie cheese? ›

To eat Brie, first remove it from your refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the brie to become softer and more flavorful as it warms. Once softened, simply slice your brie into small wedges, without removing the edible, flavorful rind.

How to properly eat brie cheese: There is no proper way to eat brie. You can eat it at room temperature, hot, spread it on a cracker, slice it in a sandwich, melt it, top it, and the list goes on.

Brie etiquette

It is a general rule that you should always cut a block of cheese as to not misshapen it; that being said, it is advisable to cut Brie, as if cutting pieces of a cake, in slices. Always slice from one end, never start in the middle of the block of cheese.

Not only can you eat the rind, you should eat the rind. Technically, the rind is mold, usually Penicillium candidum, but it's good mold! The rind protects the cheese on the inside and helps to give the cheese its flavor. You're missing out on a big part of the flavor and textural experience if you do not eat the rind.

But Brie rind is totally edible, I would even dare say its part of the cheese flavor. You see you won't eat just the "mie" the inside of a baguette its boring and it tastes lame: to get the full experience you have to eat the crust too. Eat your Brie Rind.

The easiest way to use cheese rinds is to cook them on the grill, griddle or barbecue, hardest side face down. Alternatively, you can simply bake them in the oven until they soften. Serve immediately, perhaps with vegetables or cold cuts.

CRÈME DE BRIE — Alouette Cheese. Ultra-smooth, creamy and mild Brie without the rind. Extremely versatile – try it as a spread, dip or add it to your favorite recipe.

(A) The yellow spots on the surface of this natural rind cheese are the mold Chrysosporium sulfureum. The yellow pigmentation of the cut cheese right below the surface is due to the growth of this mold.

It's likely that the white substance on the outside of your cheese is calcium lactate. Calcium lactate is common in aged cheese.