What is Explorateur Cheese? A French Triple Cream Cheese
Experience the luxurious world of French cheeses with Explorateur, a decadent triple cream cheese that’s as rich in history as it is in flavor. Named after the French-built U.S. satellite ‘Explorer’, this cheese is a symbol of perfection and achievement. Crafted in the Île-de-France region, Explorateur is imbued with a creamy, buttery essence that melts delightfully on the tongue.
This cheese is characterized by its high-fat content, achieved by adding rich cream to the milk during the cheese-making process. The result? A velvety, smooth texture and an indulgent, subtly sweet flavor. Explorateur is truly a cheese that takes you on a culinary journey, making every bite a new exploration in taste.
Quick Facts About Explorateur Cheese
| Quick Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | France |
| Type | Soft, triple cream cheese |
| Milk Source | Cow’s milk |
| Fat Content | 75% in dry matter |
| Texture | Creamy and smooth |
| Color | White, with a bloomy rind |
| Flavor Profile | Mild, with hints of mushrooms and a slight tang |
| Ageing Time | At least 4 weeks |
| Pairings | Champagne, fresh fruits, crusty bread |
| Best Served | At room temperature |
| Named After | The French word ‘explorateur’, meaning ‘explorer’ |
| Availability | Year-round |
| Region | Île-de-France |
What is Explorateur Cheese?
Explorateur Cheese is a testament to the art of French cheesemaking, a decadently creamy delight that has stood the test of time. Born in the post-war era, this cheese pays homage to the spirit of exploration and discovery, taking its name from the first U.S. satellite, Explorer One. It’s more than just a tribute; it’s a celebration of creamy texture and subtly complex flavors that make every bite a luxurious experience.
Produced in the Île-de-France region, Explorateur Cheese is a soft-ripened, triple cream cheese made from cow’s milk. Its velvety texture is a result of the high butterfat content, a staggering 75% in dry matter, that lends the cheese its signature richness. This luscious creaminess is enveloped by a bloomy white rind, adding a delicate contrast to the indulgent interior.
Explorateur Cheese is a culinary adventure in itself. Its flavor profile is mild yet intriguing, with subtle hints of mushrooms and a slight tang that teases the palate. It’s best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing its flavors to fully blossom. Whether spread on crusty bread or paired with fresh fruits and a glass of champagne, Explorateur Cheese elevates any dining experience, adding a touch of French sophistication to the table.
So next time you’re looking for a cheese that’s a cut above the rest, remember Explorateur. A cheese that’s not just about taste, but also about heritage and tradition. A cheese that truly captures the essence of French gastronomy.
What Does Explorateur Cheese Taste Like?
Explorateur Cheese offers a unique taste experience that’s as intriguing as it is satisfying. This French Triple Cream Cheese boasts a complex taste profile that goes beyond the typical savory brie. According to cheese enthusiasts, the first impression might even remind you of fresh goat cheese.
The pate of Explorateur is incredibly rich and buttery, with slightly sweet and salty undertones. As the cheese ages, it becomes firmer and dryer in texture but retains its flavorful punch. The cheese is characterized by a bloomy white rind and a smooth texture. The flavor is mild yet distinctive, offering a buttery taste laced with hints of truffles and mushrooms.
The rind adds an earthy taste that balances well with the pate’s almost creme-fraiche-like sharpness. This cheese also exhibits a little acidity, which adds an almost sour aftertaste, making it all the more exceptional. Pair Explorateur Cheese with harder, fruity cheeses, or enjoy it with chilled Champagne for a truly indulgent experience.
Explorateur Cheese Tasting Notes
- Texture: Creamy, smooth with a slightly firmer, bloomy white rind.
- Color: Pale ivory to light yellow, with a white rind.
- Aroma: Slight mushroom scent with a hint of fresh dairy.
- Taste: Rich, buttery flavor with sweet and salty undertones.
- Aftertaste: Mild tanginess, reminiscent of creme-fraiche.
- Complexity: Offers a subtle hint of truffles and mushrooms.
- Serving Temperature: Best served at room temperature to fully appreciate its flavors.
- Maturity: Flavor deepens as it ages, becoming firmer and slightly drier.
- Finish: Leaves a slightly sour note, adding to its unique flavor profile.
10 Best Explorateur Cheese Substitutes
| Cheese Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Boursin | A soft, creamy cheese with a garlic and herb flavor that can serve as a good substitute in recipes calling for Explorateur. |
| Brillat-Savarin | Another triple cream cheese from France, Brillat-Savarin is similar in texture and richness, but with a slightly stronger flavor. |
| Camembert | This French cheese has a similar bloomy rind and creamy texture, but is a bit stronger in flavor. |
| Brie | A popular French cheese with a mild, buttery flavor, Brie is a great substitute for Explorateur in most dishes. |
| Mascarpone | This Italian cheese is incredibly creamy and mild, making it a good alternative if you’re after Explorateur’s texture rather than its tanginess. |
| Saint Andre | Known as the ‘heavenly’ cheese, Saint Andre shares the high butterfat content and creamy texture of Explorateur. |
| Creme Fraiche | While not a cheese, creme fraiche shares the rich, tangy flavor of Explorateur and can work as a substitute in sauces or dips. |
| Neufchâtel | This French cheese has a similar texture to Explorateur, but with a slightly more pronounced flavor. |
| Robiola | An Italian soft-ripened cheese, Robiola offers a similar creaminess and delicate flavor to Explorateur. |
| Double Cream Gouda | This Dutch cheese is exceptionally creamy and has a mild, nutty flavor that can substitute Explorateur in many recipes. |
What Pairs Well With Explorateur Cheese?
Food that goes well with Explorateur Cheese:
| Category | Food Pairings with Explorateur Cheese |
|---|---|
| Bread/Biscuits | Baguette, Ciabatta, Crackers |
| Fruits | Dried Apricots, Pears, Grapes |
| Meats | Prosciutto, Salami |
| Vegetables | Tomatoes, Roasted Bell Peppers |
| Nuts & Seeds | Walnuts, Almonds, Pine Nuts |
| Condiments & Spreads | Honey, Fig Jam, Olive Tapenade |
| Desserts | Cheesecake, Dark Chocolate, Fruit Tarts |
| Seafood | Smoked Salmon, Seared Scallops |
| Pasta & Grains | Ravioli, Gnocchi, Risotto |
| Herbs & Spices | Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, Black Pepper |
Also read: 11 Best Crackers that Pair Well with Cheese
Beverage that goes well with Explorateur Cheese:
| Category | Beverage Pairings with Explorateur Cheese |
|---|---|
| White Wine | Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc |
| Red Wine | Pinot Noir, Merlot |
| Sparkling Wine | Champagne, Prosecco |
| Dessert Wine | Sauternes, Port |
| Beer | Belgian Ales, Wheat Beers |
| Cider | Dry Apple Cider, Pear Cider |
Also read: Top 10 Champagne & Cheese Pairings to Try at Least Once
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- What is Idiazabal? A Taste of the Basque Country
- What is Bûcheron? France’s Versatile Goat Cheese
- What is Merlot Bellavitano? The Perfect Union of Wine and Cheese
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