Which countries make the best cheese?

What country produces the best cheese?

France, duh. Like, seriously? It's not even a contest. Their cheese is so good, it makes other cheeses weep salty tears of inadequacy. It's like comparing a rusty spork to a solid gold spoon encrusted with diamonds.

Seriously, though, France's cheese game is strong. Their cheesemakers are like cheese ninjas, silently crafting deliciousness for centuries. My Uncle Jean-Pierre (who, incidentally, owns a goat farm near Dijon) told me so.

Here’s why:

• Variety: They've got more cheeses than I have socks. And I own a LOT of socks.
• History: Cheesemaking is practically woven into the fabric of French existence. It’s older than my grandma's dentures.
• Quality: French cheese is top-tier. Even the “bad” cheese is pretty darn good.
• Refinement: Each region, each village, boasts its own unique cheese, a testament to their insane dedication. It’s almost cultish.

My friend, a renowned food critic (or at least he says he’s renowned), once told me their cheeses were so good, they practically levitated. I wouldn’t put it past them. He also swears the best Camembert comes from Normandy (the part near his summer cottage). He's probably biased.

Anyway, yeah. France. Hands down. Case closed. Don’t @ me.

Who has the best cheese in the world?

The best cheese? Oh, darling, it's a matter of taste, isn't it? Like choosing between a perfectly-timed witty remark and a perfectly-ripened cheese – both exquisite in their own right. But, fine, let's play this game.

Quinta do Pomar's Queijo de Ovelha Amanteigado snatched the World Champion Cheese title this year (2024!). A truly impressive feat, like my Aunt Mildred winning the county pie contest – except, you know, with significantly less crust and more…ooey-gooey deliciousness.

Honestly, the whole "best cheese" thing is a bit silly. It's like declaring a definitive "best sunset." But if we must crown a king of curds, this Portuguese delight has currently claimed the throne. It's a beautiful thing. It's like…a cloud of butter shaped like a sheep, only infinitely more scrumptious.

Things I find interesting about cheese generally:

• The sheer variety is astounding. It's like the cheese world decided to hold a massive costume party.
• The aging process? Pure alchemy! Time transforms milk into something magical. Think of it as cheese-based metamorphosis.
• Each region boasts its own unique cheese. The terroir is everything. My family's summer trips to France in the 90s made this incredibly clear.

Now, while the Portuguese cheese won this year… my personal preference, and this is purely subjective, leans towards a really exceptional aged cheddar from a small farm in Vermont, if I'm feeling particularly homesick for my childhood. It's a sharp contrast, like a well-placed, unexpected punchline.

Seriously though, go explore. Cheese is an adventure. You'll find your own best. Don't be a cheese snob, unless you're really good at it. Then, go ahead; be magnificently cheesy.

What is the best region for cheese?

Okay, so, like, the best cheese region? Ugh, that's tough! It's got to be a toss up between France and Italy, right? I'd go with the Normandy region in France, like, no question.

• Normandy: Seriously, Camembert? Bries, too! Oh my god!
• Emilia-Romagna, Italy is super good too. Think of it...Parmigiano-Reggiano!

But hold on, other places are amazing cheese-wise too. Emilia-Romagna in Italy, you can't leave it out! I'm talking real Parmigiano-Reggiano. I saw it being made when I visited my cousin Giulia, and it was crazy. The whole region is just cheese heaven. It's really something!

Then there's Switzerland too. Can't ignore Gruyère. Though I don't like the holes too much, lol. I remeber, I tried some in a fondue last winter, and I was feeling it after three glasses of wine, and it was pretty gross actually.

• Gruyère, Switzerland: For real.
• Somerset, England: Cheddar for days.

Oh, and I went to Somerset, England once, ages ago. Cheddar, cheddar, cheddar. They really love cheddar! So, yeah, loads of great cheese spots. So many, I wish I had a cheese shop, or, like, I was a cheese maker or something.

Where is the best cheese found?

Okay, so the best cheese, like, where is it? Well, duh, France is a total cheese king, right? All those fancy AOC cheeses. It's a cheese paradise!

Then there's Italy. Man, they make some seriously good cheese too. So much cheesy goodness.

And don't forget Switzerland, which, they're the kings of the hole-y cheese thing! Seriously.

Here's a quick cheesy breakdown:

• France: So many types it's crazy! I saw like, 50 different kinds at the cheesemonger down the road. I always get, like, totally overwhelmed and just grab a Brie.
• Italy: I love mozzarella! Also, gorgonzola is great if your into the blue.
• Switzerland: It's all about the holes, I guess? But it tastes great on a sandwich.

Where in the world is famous for cheese?

France... cheese and dreams and rolling hills. France. The very word sighs like soft brie left out too long, doesn't it? Fields of green, dotted with cows. My grandmother used to hum French songs while making crêpes. France, a taste, a memory.

Almost 375 million USD. A river of cheese flowing, you see? A monument of taste. I imagine little villages built from roquefort, houses smelling of camembert. A fortune in cheese. A king’s ransom. Imagine.

Brie, roquefort, camembert. Names that sing on the tongue, eh? 246 varieties! More than stars in some skies, truly. A creamy galaxy. France, a planet of cheese. A pilgrimage I must make, for sure.

• France: Epicenter of cheese, obviously.
• 375 million USD: The sheer volume, gasp.
• 246 varieties: A symphony of smells. It must be.
• Brie, roquefort, camembert: Ah, the holy trinity, I guess.

France, France... a cheesy dream it is. A cheesy dream. Always.

Where is the cheese capital of the world?

Plymouth, Wisconsin, proudly holds the title of "Cheese Capital of the World." And yes, I had the chance to visit the Cheese Counter, and oh boy, what an experience. I remember thinking, “wow,” this is cheese heaven.

It's estimated that Plymouth churns out around 14% of the cheese devoured across the US. Who knew that much cheese came from one spot? Kind of makes you wonder where the rest comes from!

This nugget comes straight from Jenna Schram, manager at the Cheese Counter and Dairy Heritage Center there. What a cool job, huh? Imagine being surrounded by cheese all day. Makes one contemplate a career change, doesn’t it?

• Key Fact: 14% of US cheese production.
• Location: Plymouth, Wisconsin.
• Source: Jenna Schram, manager.
• Don't forget the Cheese Counter visit; it is worthwhile.

Also, here’s something else to nibble on. Wisconsin, as a whole, is a cheese powerhouse. They are the undisputed leaders of cheese production in the United States, making up more than 26% of the nation’s total cheese production in 2023. Now that’s cheesy!

What country specializes in cheese?

Cheese... Germany? Really? I always think of France first. Or maybe Switzerland.

• Germany: $6.51B
• Netherlands: $5.3B
• Italy: $5.28B
• France: $4.07B
• Denmark: $2.32B

Wow, Germany is crushing it. Huh. Wonder what kind. I love a good brie, honestly. Is Dutch cheese good? I’ve had Gouda I think.

Italy too? Surprising. Okay, need to actually try more cheese, it seems. Especially German cheese. I bet that’s a huge industry. Cheese...

What is the cheesiest country?

Netherlands, huh? Yeah, the Netherlands. I guess... I knew that, didn't I? I saw so many windmills when I visited in 2019. Never considered all that cheese they probably make nearby.

It's weird to think about. All those people, buying cheese. $14 each year? On just cheese? Seems like a lot, actually. More than I spend, I think.

Maybe that's the point. Some places, things are just... different. Their culture is just... filled with cheese. And windmills, I guess. I should go back.