Mimolette

It was originally made by the request of Louis XIV, who – in the context of Jean-Baptiste Colbert's mercantilistic policies – was looking for a native French product to replace the then very popular Edam.[1] To make it distinct from Edam, it was first colored using carrot juice, and later seasoned with annatto to give it a distinct orange color.[1]

One ball normally weighs about 2 kg (approximately 4.5 pounds) and is made from cow's milk. Its name comes from the French word mi-mou (feminine mi-molle), meaning "semi-soft". This refers to the softness of the crust when young – with age it becomes harder. It has a grey crust and orangish flesh. The orange color comes from the natural seasoning, annatto. When used in small amounts, primarily as a food colorant, annatto adds no discernible aroma or flavor. The cheese has a similar appearance to a cantaloupe melon.

The greyish rind of aged Mimolette is the result of cheese mites intentionally introduced to add flavor by their action on the surface of the cheese.

Mimolette can be consumed at different stages of aging. When younger, its taste resembles that of Parmesan. Many appreciate it most when it is "extra-old" (extra-vieille). At that point, it can become rather hard to chew, and the flesh takes on a hazelnut-like flavour.

The cheese was known to be a favorite of French President Charles De Gaulle.[2]

In 2013, the Food and Drug Administration detained about a ton of the cheese, putting further imports to the United States on hold. This was because the cheese mites could cause an allergic reaction if consumed in large quantities. The FDA stated that the cheese was above the standard of six mites per cubic inch.[3]

Many supermarkets sell this cheese, although it is sometimes made in the Netherlands.[4]

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