Coulommiers Cheese

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#102 of 376 cheese types

Coulommiers is a soft cheese from the Brie region of France, similar to Brie but smaller in size. It has a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavor that becomes more earthy and complex as it ripens. The cheese is encased in an edible white mold rind that helps to mature the cheese from the outside in.

What is Coulommiers Cheese?

Coulommiers, named after its originating town in Seine-et-Marne, France, is a soft cheese crafted from cow's milk. It's closely related to Brie but stands out due to its smaller size and distinct richness. Unlike Brie, Coulommiers does not have a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), allowing for its production with pasteurized milk.

This cheese typically matures in four to six weeks, developing a white, bloomy rind from Penicillium candidum. With a fat content of 40 percent, Coulommiers boasts a creamy texture and a fresh, mild flavor. Its compact size and thickness lend it a nuttier and sometimes more robust taste when made traditionally from unpasteurized milk.

Historically, Coulommiers dates back to the 19th century, originating in local farms around its namesake town. Previously a staple at local markets, its production has since expanded, with most of the cheese now factory-made and distributed widely, including internationally.

For aficionados, the artisanal variant of Coulommiers is especially prized. Typically made from unpasteurized milk and matured for five to eight weeks, this version features a reddish blush on its rind, richer flavors, and a softer texture. Despite its broader production, this traditional form of Coulommiers continues to be highly regarded, particularly in local and Parisian markets, for its depth of flavor that captures the essence of its regional cheesemaking heritage.

Key Facts About Coulommiers Cheese

Country of Origin France
Specific Origin Seine-et-Marne, Brie
Milk Type Cow's Milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized, sometimes raw
Fat Content 40%
Rind White Penicillium candidum
Texture Soft
Flavor Fresh, creamy to fine, stronger
Colors White
Forms Disk-shaped
Age 4-8 weeks