L’Original du Fjord – A Canadian Cheese

L’Original du Fjord is a distinctive Canadian cheese from the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec. This washed-rind cheese is celebrated for its robust aroma and complex, savory flavor profile. It offers a unique taste of the boreal terroir, made from the rich milk of Canadian cows.

Distinctive Features

L’Original du Fjord typically forms a medium-sized wheel weighing about 2.5 kilograms. It boasts a firm, rustic rind with a reddish-orange hue, a result of its regular brine washing during aging. The paste is semi-soft and pale yellow, exhibiting a smooth yet slightly crumbly texture when perfectly ripe.

This cheese has a notably high humidity content, giving it a wonderfully moist and yielding consistency. Its aroma is pungent and earthy, characteristic of washed-rind cheeses, with notes of cellar and fermented leaves. The flavor is robust and complex, starting with savory, umami-rich notes and finishing with a subtle, pleasant bitterness.

Cheese Varieties

L’Original du Fjord is primarily produced in its classic format, aged for a minimum of 60 days. Some affineurs may offer extended aging versions, which develop a drier texture and more intense, concentrated flavors. The cheese maintains a consistent profile across batches, reflecting its artisanal yet controlled production methods.

While variations are not officially designated, seasonal changes can influence the milk’s composition. Cheeses produced in summer might have slightly richer, grassier notes due to the cows’ fresh pasture diet. The core identity of L’Original du Fjord, however, remains unmistakable and true to its origins.

History and Traditions

L’Original du Fjord was created by the Laiterie Charlevoix dairy, a renowned producer in Quebec’s cheese-making landscape. It emerged from a desire to craft a cheese that reflects the unique terroir of the Saguenay Fjord region. This area is known for its harsh climate and pristine, boreal environment, which impart distinct characteristics to local agricultural products.

The region is also famous for its blueberries, tourtière, and craft beers, which complement its dairy traditions. L’Original du Fjord has become a symbol of Quebecois artisanal cheese excellence. It is often featured in local gastronomic events and cheese festivals, celebrating the province’s rich fromagerie heritage.

Production Process

Producers make L’Original du Fjord from thermalized cow’s milk, which is heated to a lower temperature than pasteurization to preserve more native flavors. The milk is coagulated with traditional animal rennet, and the curds are cut and stirred before being molded into wheels. Each wheel is then lightly pressed to expel excess whey and achieve the desired density.

The cheese undergoes a brine washing process multiple times per week during its aging period. This washing encourages the growth of specific bacteria, including Brevibacterium linens, which develop the characteristic rind and flavor. Aging occurs in humid cellars for at least 60 days, allowing the complex flavors and aroma to fully develop.

Wine or Beverage Pairings

A robust red wine like a Quebecois Pinot Noir or an international Syrah complements the savory depth of L’Original du Fjord. The wine’s fruit notes and mild tannins balance the cheese’s umami and slight bitterness. A Belgian-style Dubbel or Tripel ale also pairs excellently, its malt sweetness and carbonation cutting through the richness.

For a regional pairing, try a dry cider from Quebec, which offers refreshing acidity and apple notes. A dark, malty craft stout from a local microbrewery can mirror the cheese’s earthy tones. Even a crisp, hoppy IPA can provide a contrasting bitterness that highlights the cheese’s complexity.

Suitable Fruit and Vegetables

Fresh pears and crisp apples provide a sweet, juicy contrast to the savory intensity of L’Original du Fjord. Their natural sugars and acidity cleanse the palate between bites. Figs, either fresh or in jam form, offer a honeyed richness that harmonizes with the cheese’s fermented notes.

Roasted root vegetables like carrots or parsnips become sweet and tender, making a great accompaniment. A bitter green salad with endive or radicchio balances the cheese’s richness. Pickled vegetables, such as cornichons or pickled onions, add a sharp, vinegary counterpoint that enhances the overall tasting experience.

Suitable Meat and Fish dishes

L’Original du Fjord melts beautifully into a classic French croque-monsieur, adding depth to the ham and béchamel. It can also be grated over a hearty beef bourguignon, enriching the sauce with its umami character. The cheese pairs well with smoked meats like duck breast or venison sausage, complementing their robust flavors.

Flake the cheese over a grilled salmon fillet just after cooking to let it melt slightly. Incorporate it into a stuffing for roast chicken, where it will keep the meat moist and flavorful. It can even be served alongside a simple charcuterie board featuring saucisson sec and pâté.

Presentation

Remove L’Original du Fjord from the refrigerator at least one hour before serving. This allows it to reach the ideal temperature of 18 to 20 degrees Celsius, where its aroma and flavors are most pronounced. Serve it on a wooden board or slate plate to showcase its rustic appearance.

Arrange the cheese whole or in large wedges to display its attractive rind and paste. Provide a sturdy cheese knife for cutting and spreading. Offer separate knives for other items on the board to prevent flavor transfer. Place the cheese at room temperature for the best texture and tasting experience.

Recipe Ideas

L’Original du Fjord and Caramelized Onion Tart

This savory tart highlights the umami richness of L’Original du Fjord against the sweetness of slowly cooked onions. It makes an excellent appetizer for a dinner party or a luxurious lunch main course. The cheese melts beautifully, creating a creamy, flavorful layer that binds the ingredients together.

You can prepare the tart with a store-bought puff pastry for convenience. Serve it warm with a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette. The combination of flavors is both comforting and sophisticated, pleasing to cheese lovers and gourmets alike.

• 1 sheet of puff pastry
• 2 large onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 200 g L’Original du Fjord, cubed
• 2 eggs
• 100 ml cream
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius.
2. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook onions with sugar over low heat for 25 minutes until caramelized.
3. Roll out the puff pastry and place it in a tart tin. Prick the base with a fork.
4. Spread the caramelized onions over the pastry base. Scatter the cheese cubes evenly on top.
5. Whisk together eggs, cream, salt, and pepper. Pour this mixture over the onions and cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the pastry is golden and the filling is set. Serve warm.

L’Original du Fjord Potato Gratin

This gratin is the ultimate comfort food, transforming simple potatoes into a decadent side dish. The robust flavor of L’Original du Fjord permeates the layers, creating a deeply savory and aromatic experience. It pairs wonderfully with roast meats or can stand alone as a vegetarian main course.

Use a mandoline to slice the potatoes evenly for consistent cooking. The cheese forms a golden, flavorful crust on top while melting into the creamy layers beneath. This dish is perfect for a festive meal or a cozy family dinner.

• 1 kg potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced
• 300 g L’Original du Fjord, grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 500 ml whole milk
• 200 ml cream
• Butter for greasing
• Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a baking dish with butter.
2. Layer half the potato slices in the dish. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and half the garlic.
3. Sprinkle half the grated cheese over the potatoes. Repeat with remaining potatoes, seasoning, and garlic.
4. Pour the milk and cream over the layers. Top with the remaining cheese.
5. Cover with foil and bake for 45 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
6. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Similar Cheeses and Alternatives

L’Original du Fjord shares characteristics with other washed-rind cheeses like French Munster or Belgian Limburger. These cheeses also feature a pungent aroma, a moist texture, and a robust, savory flavor profile. Munster, from Alsace, is particularly similar with its orange rind and creamy paste, though it often has a slightly milder taste.

Within Canada, look for other artisanal washed-rind cheeses like Louis d’Or from Quebec or Avonlea Clothbound Cheddar from Prince Edward Island. These cheeses showcase the diversity and quality of Canadian cheese-making. For a different but equally bold experience, try an Italian Taleggio, which offers a similar washed rind but a fruitier, buttery flavor.

LOriginal du Fjord: Questions and answers