Definition

1. Noun:
   • The outer layer or skin of a cheese: The "cheese rind" is the natural or formed exterior surface that develops on a cheese during the aging or production process. It can be edible or inedible depending on the type of cheese.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The recipe suggests removing the tough cheese rind before grating the Parmesan.
  • For this soft cheese, the bloomy rind is completely edible and adds a complex flavor.
  • He carefully washed the cheese rind during the aging process to develop its characteristic flavor.

Advanced Usage

• "To eat the rind": A common consideration when serving cheese, referring to the decision of whether to consume the outer layer.
  • With Brie, it is customary to eat the rind.
• Rind development: A term used in cheesemaking to describe the cultivation of specific molds or bacteria on the cheese's surface.
  • The rind development on this artisan cheese took several weeks.

Variants and Related Words

• Rind (n): The tough outer layer of various fruits (e.g., melon rind, citrus rind) or foods (e.g., bacon rind).
• Crust (n): A hard outer layer, often used for bread but sometimes informally for cheese, though "rind" is the more precise term.
• Bloom (n): Specifically refers to the edible white mold (e.g., ) that forms the rind on cheeses like Brie and Camembert.

Synonyms

• Crust (when used informally for cheese)
• Exterior
• Skin (less common, more informal)

Related Phrases

• Rind-on: Describing cheese that is sold or served with its outer layer intact.
  • We purchased a wedge of rind-on Gruyère.
• Natural rind: A rind that forms from the cheese's interaction with air and its environment without added molds.
  • This farmhouse cheddar has a natural rind.

Notes on Meaning

The "cheese rind" is integral to the cheese's identity, protecting the interior and contributing significantly to its flavor and texture profile. Its edibility is a key point of etiquette and enjoyment.

Noun

1. the rind of a cheese