 Fromage blanc served on a plate with jam, with its container | |
| Alternative names | maquée, fromage frais |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | France Belgium |
| Main ingredients | whole or skimmedmilk,cream |
Fromage blanc (UK:/ˌfrɒmɑːʒˈblɒ̃/;[1]French pronunciation:[fʁɔmaʒblɑ̃]ⓘ; also known asmaquée) andfromage frais are acid-coagulatedfresh cheeses[2] originating from the north ofFrance and southernBelgium. The name "fromage blanc" means "white cheese" inFrench.Fromage blanc is closely related tofromage frais ("fresh cheese") with the only difference being that, according to French legislation,fromage frais must contain live cultures when sold, whereas withfromage blanc, fermentation has been halted.[3]
Fromage blanc andfromage frais are similar in appearance toyogurt, with a mild taste and a smooth, homogenous mouthfeel[4] similar to that of otherfresh cheeses such asquark andcottage cheese. It can be served either as adessert, spread on bread,[5][6] usually over or under jam, or used in savoury dishes. In many Western countries,fromage blanc and/orfromage frais are frequently sold in supermarkets alongside yogurts. In countries such as the United Kingdom,fromage frais in particular (which was introduced to the UK market during the 1980s[7]) is often combined with sugar and a fruit flavouring and marketed towards children.[4]
