description Mimolette Vieille Overview
Mimolette Vieille is a traditional French hard cheese originating from the Lille region. It’s notable for its distinctive orange-red color developed during extended aging – typically over twelve months. The cheese's flavor profile includes rich nuttiness due to the cow’s milk and the influence of cheese mites which create its characteristic pitted rind. Mimolette is well-suited for snacking or grating over dishes, appealing to those who enjoy strong, complex cheeses.
insights Why this score
Mimolette Vieille ranks #75 of 252 in the Hard Cheese ranking, behind Coolea, ahead of Grana Padano.
Aged Mimolette has distinctive texture and nutty depth; popular with enthusiasts, though mite-rind intensity divides some users.
help Mimolette Vieille FAQ
What causes the bright orange-red color of Mimolette Vieille?
The distinctive orange-red hue comes from the addition of a natural plant dye called annatto during the cheese-making process. Annatto is extracted from the seeds of the achiote tree and is historically used in many regional cheeses.
What are the cheese mites found on the rind of Mimolette?
As Mimolette ages, tiny cheese mites are intentionally allowed to aerate the crust, which contributes to the cheese's unique texture. The mites create the distinctive gray, pitted, and moon-like appearance of the rind.
What does Mimolette Vieille taste like?
Aged for twelve months or more, Mimolette Vieille develops a rich, nutty flavor profile that is often compared to a fine aged Parmesan or Gouda. The extended aging also creates a distinctly dry, crystalline texture in the paste.
What region of France is the birthplace of Mimolette?
Mimolette originated in the city of Lille, located in the Hauts-de-France region near the border with Belgium. It was reportedly created in the 17th century to mimic the popular Edam cheese from the neighboring Netherlands.
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