As the weather turns (even more) gloomy and it starts getting dark before people even leave the office, people might start planning cosy meals – such as a soul-warming cheese evening.
While Belgium is not traditionally seen as a country of cheese, it is hardly a surprise that people have tried their hand at the art of cheese making seeing as the country is sandwiched between France and the Netherlands, two leading cheese nations, as my colleague Lauren Walker writes.
Some 800 years ago, experiments with the first cheese reportedly started in the country, but Belgian cheeses only really started to get off the ground in the 20th century. And now, the country is home to over 300 types of cheese: from Passendale and Brugge Blomme to Moerenaar herb cheese and of course Herve. There's something for everyone.
Recently, Herve even won Wallonia's Cheese of the Year 2023 and is without a doubt one of the most iconic cheeses in the country. It is a protected dairy product that belongs to the family of soft cheeses with a washed rind.
Named after its region of origin in the province of Liège, Herve cheese can only be successfully made here as brévibacterium linens are typical of the region.
However, Belgium has a lot more cheese to offer. Read all about the different kinds and their history here.
Hungry yet? Let @Maajtee know.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. PFAS pollution in Brussels tap water: New tests expected this week
Heading into its third week, the PFAS pollution scandal continues to concern citizens in Brussels and Wallonia over the safety of drinking water. Over the weekend, it emerged that there was a higher presence of PFAS in the capital's water network than first communicated. Read more.
2. Corporate profits drive inflation as EU salaries fall
Real wages have fallen across Europe over the past year while corporate profits have soared, according to a recent study by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). Read more.
3. Hundreds of 'vulnerable' unaccompanied minors will finally get guardian
Unaccompanied minors arriving in Belgium are often very vulnerable given their age and new, unfamiliar environment after a long and dangerous trek from home. They are therefore entitled to a guardian to represent them and ensure their wellbeing. Read more.
4. From tasty Trappist to bold Berloumi: A guide to Belgium's finest cheeses
While Belgium is not traditionally seen as a country of cheese makers, the fact that it is sandwiched between the two leading 'cheese nations' (the Netherlands and France) means it is hardly surprising that producers here have tried their hand at the craft. Read more.
5. Money, money, money: Who are the richest people in Belgium?
While many are familiar with names such as Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos when speaking about extremely wealthy people, names such as Eric Wittouck and Alexandre Van Damme may be less well known. Read more.
6. From one stranger to another: It wasn't all bad in Belgium...
Sometimes it's the little things that have the biggest impact. In this week's round-up of positive news, read about a man who "brings a bit of sunshine" to people's day by sticking letters around cities worldwide. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Cafe Zennegat 13
Cafe Zennegat 13 is a friendly, relaxed village cafe furnished with old wooden tables, oil paintings and piles of books. It is located in a strange damp region of marshes and tidal rivers that is virtually uninhabitable because of the risk of flooding. Read more.
