Get Your Cheese Fix With A Sinfully Delicious Journey Through Montreal’s Decadent Dairy Delights!
by Stefanie Michaels
Montreal’s decadent cheese trail is a journey through some of the best cheese shops and creameries in the city. It’s a food lover’s paradise, and there are so many delicious stops to make along the way.
The trail is a cultural and culinary trail that highlights the rich history and tradition of cheese-making in Montreal, Canada. Originating in the 19th century, when cheese production was an integral part of the city’s agriculture and economy, the cheese trail showcases local cheesemakers, their unique cheeses, and the history and cultural significance of cheese production in the region.
The cheese trail remains an essential part of Montreal’s culinary heritage, attracting visitors worldwide to taste the city’s delicious and diverse cheeses.
Montreal is known for its unique blend of French and Quebecois cuisine, which is reflected in the city’s cheese culture. Montreal cheese often combines traditional French cheesemaking techniques with locally sourced ingredients, creating a unique and diverse range of cheese varieties.
Some of Montreal’s most popular types of cheese include artisanal cheddar, smoked gouda, and brie made from local goat’s milk. Additionally, the city has a thriving cheesemaking industry, with several small-scale cheese producers offering a wide range of specialty cheeses that are only widely available in some places.
One of the first stops on the cheese trail should be at Fromagerie du Village. This quaint shop is located in the heart of the Plateau neighborhood, and it’s known for its wide selection of artisanal cheeses. You can find everything from gooey camembert to tangy blue cheese, and the friendly staff are always happy to help you choose the perfect cheese for your tastes.
Another must-visit spot on Montreal’s cheese trail is La Fromagerie Atwater. This shop is located in the vibrant Atwater Market, and it’s known for its impressive selection of local and imported cheeses. In addition to cheese, you’ll find a wide range of other gourmet food items, such as charcuterie, olive oils, and spices.
If you’re looking for a more hands-on cheese-making experience, then you should definitely visit La Ferme du Grand Pré. This working farm is located just outside of Montreal, and it’s home to a small creamery where you can watch cheese being made right in front of your eyes. After the tour, you can sample some of the delicious cheese that’s been made on the farm.
No trip on Montreal’s cheese trail would be complete without a stop at Fromagerie Hamel. This family-owned shop has been a fixture in the city for more than 50 years, and it’s known for its exceptional selection of Quebecois cheeses. You’ll find everything from creamy brie to sharp cheddar, and the staff are always happy to help you choose the perfect cheese for your tastes.
Other fromageries included on the cheese trail:
- Fromagerie du Presbytère
- Fromagerie L’Atelier
- Fromagerie du Vieux St-François
- Fromagerie Médard
- Fromagerie des Grondines
- Fromagerie La Vache à Maillotte
- Fromagerie La Station
- Fromagerie Fritz Kaiser
- Fromagerie de l’Isle-aux-Grues
- Fromagerie Bergeron
As you can see, there are so many amazing cheese shops and creameries to visit on Montreal’s cheese trail in Quebec. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or just looking to try something new, you’ll find something to love on this delicious journey.
When purchasing artisanal cheeses, make sure you store them in the proper container.
Did you know?
When cheese making, the type of milk used can significantly affect the flavor and texture of the cheese. For example, cow’s milk typically produces mild and creamy cheese, while sheep’s milk can result in tangy and nutty cheese.
Goat’s milk is also popular in cheese making and can create a slightly tart cheese with a distinct flavor. Additionally, the temperature at which the milk is heated, the type of bacteria or mold used in the cheese-making process, and the length of time the cheese is aged can all impact its final flavor and texture.
A little history:
Cheese making has been around for thousands of years. It is believed that cheese was first discovered by accident when milk stored in animal stomachs or other containers made from animal organs curdled and separated into curds and whey due to the rennet found in the stomach lining.
The art of cheese-making spread throughout Europe, with different regions developing their unique varieties of cheese. Monks played an essential role in the history of cheese making, as they were often responsible for producing cheese to feed the communities they lived in. Many famous types of cheese, such as Gouda, Roquefort, and Stilton, were initially made by monks.
During the Middle Ages, cheese-making became an essential trade in Europe, with cheesemakers forming guilds and developing strict rules and regulations for cheese production. Cheese-making continued to evolve with new techniques and different types of milk.
