Camembert is a moist, soft, creamy, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese. It was first made in the late 18th century in Camembert, Normandy, in northwest France. It is sometimes compared in look and taste to brie cheese, albeit with a slightly lower butterfat content than brie's typical 20% – 25% by weight.
Camembert
Camembert of Normandy
Camembert cheese box
Cheese is a dairy product produced in a range of flavors, textures, and forms by coagulation of the milk protein casein. It comprises proteins and fat from milk. During production, milk is usually acidified and either the enzymes of rennet or bacterial enzymes with similar activity are added to cause the casein to coagulate. The solid curds are then separated from the liquid whey and pressed into finished cheese. Some cheeses have aromatic molds on the rind, the outer layer, or throughout.
A platter with cheese and garnishes
Cheeses in art: Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels, Clara Peeters, c. 1615
Hard cheeses in Germany
A piece of soft curd cheese, oven-baked to increase shelf life