• Originating in France, traditional Neufchâtel cheese is a soft cheese made from cow's milk with a salty, sharp taste and a white rind. Today, what is known as Neufchâtel cheese in the U.S. is very similar to cream cheese but with 30 percent less fat than cream cheese.

• Fast Facts

  1. Means "new castle" in French
  2. Originated in Neufchâtel, Normandy, France in the 6th Century
  3. Commonly produced in heart shape; women cheesemakers historically made them for their sweethearts
  4. Cream cheese was an accidental creation that resulted from American cheesemakers trying to duplicate Neufchâtel cheese
  5. Aged 8-10 weeks

• Shaping History

  Neufchâtel cheese is claimed to be the oldest cheese in Normandy. It was officially recorded in the books of the Saint-Aman Abbey in 1543. But since the Middle Ages, Neufchâtel cheese has had many shapes, depending on the trend at the time. The traditional heart shape is due to the young Norman women that wanted to express their feelings to their sweethearts in a discreet manner. But it can also be found shaped in logs or circles.

• Related Mahalo Pages

  Cream Cheese | Cheese | Brie | Roquefort | Bleu Cheese | Swiss Cheese | Fondue | Wine | Olive Oil | Cheddar | Mozzarella | French Bread | French Food

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