What is Boulette d’Avesnes? The Piquant Delight from the French-Belgian Border

Welcome to a piquant journey across the French-Belgian border, where we uncover the secrets of a distinctive cheese – Boulette d’Avesnes.

Hailing from the tiny town of Avesnes-sur-Helpe, this conical delight has been tantalizing taste buds for centuries. From its unique shape to its profound aroma, Boulette d’Avesnes is a cheese that demands attention.

Often referred to as ‘The Devil’s Suppository’, this cow’s milk cheese boasts a potent blend of flavors that are as intriguing as its moniker. So, fasten your seatbelts as we delve into the fascinating world of Boulette d’Avesnes – a cheese steeped in history and bursting with flavor.

Quick Facts About Boulette d’Avesnes

What is Boulette d’Avesnes?

Boulette d’Avesnes, often referred to as the ‘Devil’s Suppository’, is a cheese that captivates with its unique shape, fiery color, and robust flavor. This distinctive dairy delight hails from the commune of Avesnes-sur-Helpe, in France’s Nord department, a region steeped in rich culinary tradition.

The cheese is crafted from cow’s milk or buttermilk, lending it a creamy, slightly grainy texture that melts in the mouth. Its hand-shaped conical form makes it stand out in any cheese selection, but it’s not just the shape that catches the eye. Coated with a layer of paprika, Boulette d’Avesnes sports a vibrant red-orange hue, hinting at the punchy flavors hidden within.

But the real magic lies in its flavor profile. Boulette d’Avesnes undergoes an aging process of 6-8 weeks, during which it develops a strong, pungent flavor. This is further enhanced by the addition of various spices such as pepper, tarragon, and cloves. The result is a cheese that delivers a sensory adventure with each bite, offering notes of spice, creaminess, and a distinct tang.

Despite its intense flavor, Boulette d’Avesnes is surprisingly versatile. It can be spread on crusty bread for a simple yet satisfying treat, incorporated into various dishes to add depth of flavor, or paired with robust red wines and dark beers for a gourmet experience.

However, getting your hands on Boulette d’Avesnes might prove a challenge. Traditionally made during winter months, it can be hard to find outside of France and Belgium. But for those who manage to source this unique cheese, the taste journey it offers is well worth the effort.

What Does Boulette d’Avesnes Taste Like?

Boulette d’Avesnes offers a robust, complex flavor profile that is sure to please lovers of strong cheeses. It boasts a prominent, pungent taste, much like a well-aged blue cheese. The addition of various spices such as pepper, tarragon, and cloves during its production process imparts the cheese with spicy undertones.

The paprika coating on the exterior of the cheese adds a slightly smoky flavor and a hint of heat. The cheese’s interior, however, contrasts this with its creamy, rich, and slightly tangy notes. This combination of strong, spicy, and creamy flavors makes Boulette d’Avesnes a unique and unforgettable tasting experience.

It’s important to note that the flavor can intensify as the cheese ages. As it matures, the cheese develops a stronger, earthier flavor, making it even more piquant. Despite its intense flavor, Boulette d’Avesnes pairs wonderfully with robust red wines and dark beers, which can help balance out its strong taste.

Boulette d’Avesnes Tasting Notes

• Appearance: Boulette d’Avesnes is hand-shaped into a unique conical form. Its exterior is coated with a layer of paprika, giving it a distinctive red-orange hue.
• Texture: This cheese has a creamy and slightly grainy texture. It’s soft enough to be spreadable but firm enough to hold its shape.
• Aroma: It has a strong, pungent aroma which becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. The smell can be likened to that of a well-aged blue cheese.
• Taste: The flavor of Boulette d’Avesnes is complex and robust. It’s initially creamy and tangy, followed by spicy undertones from the added pepper, tarragon, and cloves. The paprika coating adds a hint of smokiness and heat.
• Aftertaste: The aftertaste is long-lasting and earthy, with a spicy kick that lingers on the palate.
• Pairings: Due to its strong flavor profile, this cheese pairs well with robust red wines and dark beers. It can also be served with crusty bread or incorporated into various dishes for added depth of flavor.

What Pairs Well With Boulette d’Avesnes?

Food that goes well with Boulette d’Avesnes:

• Fruits: Pair it with fruits like pears, apples, or grapes to balance out the cheese’s strong flavor with their sweetness.
• Bread: Crusty bread or baguette goes well with this cheese, providing a neutral base to let the cheese shine.
• Charcuterie: You can also serve it on a charcuterie board with different types of meats.

Beverage that goes well with Boulette d’Avesnes:

• Robust Red Wines: Full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah can stand up to the strong, pungent flavors of Boulette d’Avesnes. Their tannic structure and dark fruit flavors can balance the cheese’s spiciness and richness.
• Dark Beers: Dark beers such as stouts or porters also pair well with this cheese. The malty sweetness and roasted flavors in these beers can complement the smoky, spicy notes in Boulette d’Avesnes.
• Sweet White Wines: For a contrasting pairing, sweet white wines like Sauternes or late-harvest Riesling can work well. The sweetness of these wines can provide a nice counterpoint to the cheese’s tangy, spicy flavors.
• Cider: A good quality cider, especially those with a bit of sweetness, can be a great match for Boulette d’Avesnes. The apple flavors and effervescence can cleanse the palate after each bite of the cheese.
• Port: For a decadent pairing, try serving Boulette d’Avesnes with a glass of Port. The sweetness and berry flavors of the Port can balance the cheese’s robust flavor profile.

Boulette d’Avesnes: A Cheese of Rich History and Robust Flavor

To truly understand the essence of Boulette d’Avesnes, one must journey to the small town of Avesnes-sur-Helpe, nestled on the French-Belgian border. Here, in this quaint town, a cheese of distinctive shape and powerful flavor was born – the Boulette d’Avesnes.

Origins and Evolution

Boulette d’Avesnes, often referred to as ‘The Devil’s Suppository’ due to its unique conical shape, has a humble origin story. Historically, it was a byproduct of butter churning, made from buttermilk or leftover pieces of other cheeses such as Maroilles. The ingenuity of the farmers who first crafted this cheese from what was essentially waste is a testament to the resourcefulness of the region’s inhabitants.

This cheese has evolved over time while maintaining its traditional roots. It is still made from pasteurized cow’s milk and carries a fat content of around 45%. A creamy and smooth texture is the hallmark of Boulette d’Avesnes, beneath its washed rind that is dusted with a layer of vibrant paprika.

The Making of Boulette d’Avesnes

The process of creating Boulette d’Avesnes is an art form passed down through generations. The cheese is flavored with tarragon, cloves, and parsley, giving it its signature taste. The addition of these seasonings and the paprika coating are not just for flavor, but also serve to preserve the cheese, a nod to the times when refrigeration was not available.

Modern Production and Characteristics

While the production process has seen minor tweaks with modern technology, the heart of Boulette d’Avesnes remains loyal to its origins. Contemporary cheese makers take pride in preserving the age-old techniques while ensuring the highest standards of hygiene and quality control.

The cheese is still hand-shaped into its distinctive conical form, a testament to the artisanal nature of its production. Its powerful aroma and intense flavor are its defining characteristics. The initial taste is creamy and tangy, followed by the subtle heat from the added spices and the smokiness from the paprika.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, Boulette d’Avesnes is not just a cheese; it’s a symbol of a region’s history and the ingenuity of its people.

From humble beginnings, it has evolved into a gourmet delight appreciated by cheese connoisseurs worldwide. So, the next time you have a chance to sample this unique cheese, remember the rich history and craftsmanship behind every bite.

More Cheeses from France:

• Fleur du Maquis
• Rove de Garrigues
• Jonchée
• Brousse du Rove
• Bleu des Causses
• Bleu du Vercors-Sassenage
• Bleu de Chèvre