An Invitation

Consider this book your invitation to join a conversation that has been ongoing for centuries and continues to evolve today. Whether you're selecting cheese for a family gathering that honors multiple cultural traditions, exploring options that fit your dietary needs, or simply curious about the stories behind your favorite varieties, you're part of French cheese culture.

As we embark on this journey together, remember that the best way to understand cheese is to taste it with an open mind and share it with others. In the spirit of French table culture, cheese brings people together across all boundaries.

Bon appétit, and welcome to the wonderful world of French cheese!

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Note on Terminology: Throughout this book, we use "cheesemaker" as a gender-neutral term. When referring to historical figures or specific individuals, we use the terms they used for themselves.

Note on Images: While this text-based format doesn't include photographs, we encourage readers to seek out diverse visual resources that show the full spectrum of people involved in French cheese culture today.# Understanding Cheese Categories and Production