Fromage blanc

Fromage blanc
Fromage blanc in a plate and its container
Alternative name(s):
maquée, fromage frais
Place of origin:
France
Main ingredient(s):
whole or skimmed milk, cream
Recipes at Wikibooks:
Fromage blanc
Media at Wikimedia Commons:
Fromage blanc

Fromage blanc (also known as maquée and similar to some kinds of quark) is a cheese originating from the north of France and the south of Belgium. The name means "white cheese" in French. Fromage frais differs from fromage blanc in that according to French legislation:^[1]

"The denomination fromage frais is reserved for unripened cheese that underwent a mostly lactic fermentation. Fermented white cheese marketed under the terms fresh or fresh cheese must contain live flora at the time of sale to the consumer"

So the former must contain live cultures when sold, whereas with fromage blanc fermentation has been halted. Fromage frais is a creamy soft cheese made with whole or skimmed milk and cream. It has the consistency of cream cheese, but less fat. Pure fromage blanc is virtually fat free, but cream is frequently added to improve the flavour, which also increases the fat content, frequently to as high as eight percent of total weight.

Fromage blanc can be served either as a dessert similar to yogurt, frequently with added fruit, or in savoury dishes. In many Western countries, fromage blanc is sold in supermarkets alongside yogurts. (A very common such brand in much of Europe is Petits Filous, manufactured by Yoplait.)

See also

• List of French cheeses

References