Bleu de Gex

Bleu de Gex is the work of the monks of the Saint-Claude Abbey in Franche-Comté. The cheese is also known as Bleu de Septmoncel. It obtained a registered designation of origin (AOC) in 1977 before gaining a protected designation of origin (AOP) in 1996. It was introduced to the royal court of France in 1530 thanks to Charles V, a legendary cheese lover.

The raw milk used to make this cheese is produced by Montbéliarde and Simmental breeds of cattle raised in the mountainous areas of Ain and Jura (Jura mountain range).

The beige and light brown rind of this cheese is obtained through regular brushing. The name, « Gex », is engraved on the rind. The ivory-colored paste is lined with a number of grayish blue veins.

This is one of the « mild », lightly salted blue cheeses. Its paste is semi-firm to soft.