Ingredient
Cheese, fourme d'ambert
The Blue Jewel of French Cheeses
Fourme d'ambert is a semi-hard blue cheese made from cow's milk. It has a creamy and crumbly texture with a pale yellow interior marbled with blue veins. The flavor is rich, tangy, and slightly sweet, with earthy and mushroom undertones. The cheese has a natural rind that develops during the aging process, adding complexity to its taste. It pairs well with fruits, nuts, and honey, making it a versatile ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.
Origins and history
Fourme d'ambert originated in the Auvergne region of France and has a long history dating back to the Roman era. It is one of the oldest known French cheeses and holds a protected designation of origin (PDO) status. The cheese is named after the town of Ambert, where it was traditionally produced. Today, it is made in various regions of France using traditional methods and is highly regarded for its quality and taste.
Nutritional information
Fourme d'ambert is a good source of calcium, protein, and vitamin B12. It is also relatively low in calories, with approximately 100 calories per ounce.
Allergens
Contains milk.
How to select
When selecting fourme d'ambert, look for a cheese that is creamy and crumbly, with a pale yellow interior and blue veins evenly distributed throughout. Avoid cheeses with an overly strong ammonia smell or excessive mold growth on the rind.
Storage recommendations
To maintain the freshness and quality of fourme d'ambert, store it in the refrigerator in its original packaging or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption. Bring the cheese to room temperature before serving to enhance its flavors.
How to produce
Fourme d'ambert is typically produced by artisanal cheese makers using traditional methods. It requires specific molds and bacteria cultures to develop its characteristic blue veins. While it may be challenging to produce at home, it is possible with the right equipment and expertise.
Preparation tips
Fourme d'ambert can be enjoyed on its own or used as an ingredient in various dishes. It pairs well with fruits such as pears and grapes, as well as nuts like walnuts and pecans. It adds a unique flavor to salads, pasta dishes, and sauces. It can also be melted into gratins or used as a topping for pizzas and burgers.
Availability
France is the primary producer of fourme d'ambert, particularly in the Auvergne region. It is available in specialty cheese shops and gourmet markets worldwide.
More ingredients from this category
Cheese, valdeon
The Bold and Blue: Valdeon Cheese
Cheese, cabrales
Cabrales Cheese: A Bold and Creamy Delight
Cheese, stilton
The Blue Jewel of British Cheeses
Cheese, monje picon
The Fiery Spanish Delight
Cheese, bleu d'auvergne
The Blue Elegance
Cheese, bleu de gex
"The Savory Delight: Unveiling the Secrets of Bleu de Gex Cheese"
Cheese, roquefort
The Blue Elegance
Cheese, gamonedo
Gamonedo: The Spanish Delicacy
Cheese, shropshire blue
The Bold and Tangy Delight: Shropshire Blue Cheese
Cheese, gorgonzola
The Bold and Creamy Delight: Gorgonzola Cheese
Recipes using Cheese, fourme d'ambert
Sudanese Spiced Sardine Sandwich
Savory Sudanese Sardine Delight
Galician-style Fish Sandwich
Mar de Galicia: A Taste of the Sea in a Sandwich
Chasha Zemma - Georgian Spiced Tea
Warm and Spiced: Chasha Zemma - A Georgian Tea Delight
Surinamese-style Bánh mì xíu mại
Spiced Meatball Sandwich with Surinamese Flair
Saucisse de Montbéliard with Lentils and Caramelized Onions
Smoky French Sausage Delight with Lentils and Sweet Onions
Wisconsin-style Beer-Battered Walleye Fillets
Crispy Wisconsin Walleye Delight
Spanish-inspired Bocadillos with Chorizo and Manchego
Flavors of Spain: Chorizo and Manchego Bocadillos
Crispy Walleye Sandwich
Golden Delight: Crispy Walleye Sandwich with Zesty Tartar Sauce
Korean-Style Cheesesteak
Bulgogi Cheesesteak: A Fusion of Korean and American Flavors
Caribbean-inspired Spicy Jerk Chicken Bánh Mì
Tropical Fusion: Spicy Jerk Chicken Bánh Mì with a Caribbean Twist
Tongan-Style Grilled Walleye Sandwich
Tropical Delight: Tongan-Style Grilled Walleye Sandwich