Pays de la Loire: River Valley Treasures

Port-du-Salut

- Type: Semi-soft cheese - Milk: Cow's milk 🌿/🌱 - Aging: 1-2 months - Pronunciation: /pɔʁ dy sa.ly/ (por dew sah-LEW) - Characteristics: Orange rind, mild flavor, creamy texture

Trappist Heritage: Originally made by Trappist monks at Port-du-Salut Abbey from 1815. The name means "Port of Salvation," reflecting the monks' gratitude for finding refuge after the Revolution. Though now mostly industrially produced, artisanal versions are experiencing a revival.

Inclusive Production: Several small producers now offer 🌱 vegetarian versions, and the Coopérative Laitière Bio du Maine brings together organic farmers from diverse backgrounds.

Crémet d'Anjou

- Type: Fresh cheese dessert - Milk: Cow's milk 🌱 - Aging: None (fresh) - Pronunciation: /kʁe.mɛ dɑ̃.ʒu/ (kreh-MEH dahn-ZHOO) - Characteristics: Whipped with cream, often sweetened

Celebration Cheese: Traditionally served at weddings and baptisms in heart-shaped molds. The light, mousse-like texture makes it accessible to elderly guests and young children alike. Modern versions incorporate local honey, rose petals, or Cointreau.

Contemporary Twist: Senegalese-French pastry chef Mame Sow has created a version using bissap (hibiscus) that has become popular at multicultural celebrations in Angers.

Chèvre de Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is France's premier goat cheese region, with numerous small producers:

Sainte-Maure de Touraine AOP - Type: Soft goat cheese - Milk: Raw goat's milk 🌿 - Aging: Minimum 10 days - Pronunciation: /sɛ̃t moʁ də tu.ʁɛn/ (sant mor duh too-REN) - Characteristics: Log shape with straw through center

The signature straw running through the center originally served to hold the fragile cheese together and allow air circulation. Today, it bears the producer's ID number. Women have historically dominated Sainte-Maure production, with many farms passing from mother to daughter.

Crottin de Chavignol AOP - Type: Soft goat cheese - Milk: Raw goat's milk 🌿 - Aging: 10 days to several months - Pronunciation: /kʁɔ.tɛ̃ də ʃa.vi.ɲɔl/ (kroh-TAN duh shah-vee-NYOL) - Characteristics: Small round cheese, intensifies with age

Despite its unfortunate name (crottin means "dropping"), this cheese is beloved. Young versions are creamy and mild; aged ones become hard and intense. The diversity of aging makes it perfect for cheese plates accommodating different preferences.

Selles-sur-Cher AOP - Type: Soft goat cheese - Milk: Raw goat's milk 🌿 - Aging: Minimum 10 days - Pronunciation: /sɛl syʁ ʃɛʁ/ (sell sewr SHEHR) - Characteristics: Ash-dusted rind, truncated pyramid shape

The ash coating, originally for preservation, now continues for tradition. Modern producers source ash from sustainable charcoal operations run by Haitian immigrants in the Berry region, creating economic connections between communities.