Category Archives: Soft Cheese

Understanding the Life Cycle of Camembert

Soft Cheese

At Natural Pastures Cheese one of our long time fan favorites is the Comox Camembert, so I thought I would take a time out in this busy season to do a deep dive on the how it evolves from our little cheese factory here in Courtenay, on Vancouver Island. Once this soft cheese leaves us to become a fabulous addition to your cheese boards, family dinner and the perfect pairing to your morning coffee -it is not a static cheese. It is alive, evolving, and meant to change over time.

*Understanding its life cycle helps explain why two people can taste the same Camembert and have completely different experiences — and why both can be “right.”

From Young to Fully Ripened

When Camembert is first wrapped, it is considered young. It is put in very special paper to let it stay active. At this stage, the paste is still firm and chalky in the centre, with mild dairy flavours and only the earliest signs of softening near the rind. Many people enjoy Camembert this way for its freshness and subtlety. As time passes, Camembert continues to ripen naturally in the refrigerator or even more quickly at room temperature. The white bloomy rind works inward, breaking down the proteins in the cheese. This process gradually transforms the texture from firm to creamy, then eventually to fully soft and spoonable. Alongside this textural change, flavours deepen — becoming more savoury, earthy, and complex. There is no single “correct” moment to eat Camembert. Its ideal stage is entirely a matter of personal preference.

How Distribution Impacts Ripeness — Especially in Canada

One important distinction to understand is where and how cheese ages. Many European cheeses historically developed flavour and maturity during long transport times. That is not the case for Canadian-made cheese. With strong domestic production and rapid distribution — especially through the Buy BC movement — cheese is reaching store shelves faster than ever. This means locally made Camembert may appear younger at purchase, not because it is unfinished, but because it is fresh and still evolving.

Internationally, Camembert is enjoyed at many stages of maturity. In France, it is common for enthusiasts to seek out very ripe Camembert — sometimes waiting far beyond the best-before date before enjoying it at peak softness and intensity. ( and strong smell) At the same time, others prefer Camembert the day it is wrapped, when it is fresh, structured, and mild. Both approaches are valid. Camembert is a cheese of patience and choice.

Aging your cheese : For those who prefer a softer Camembert, patience is the key. Stored properly in the refrigerator, the cheese will continue to soften and deepen in flavour over time. If you enjoy Camembert young, enjoy it fresh — that stage is just as intentional as full ripeness.

This is what a fully ripened Comox Camembert should look like, and you’ll notice its softness to the touch as well. It’s best enjoyed at peak ripeness, before it becomes overripe and the flavour begins to decline. When purchasing your Camembert, check the date stamp and, for a fully ripened experience, plan to enjoy it within the final five days.

Choosing the Camembert That’s Right for You: Understanding Camembert means understanding that it is not “ready” or “not ready” — it is on a journey. Whether enjoyed young, mature, or fully ripened, Camembert offers a spectrum of experiences shaped by time, temperature, and personal taste. When you have fresh fluffy young camembert – you might want to age the outside until it’s brown and crusty and the inside is lovely and runny. It is your food to experiment with !
At Natural Pastures Cheese Company, we celebrate that journey — and invite cheese lovers to enjoy Camembert exactly the way they like it.

This is what a fully ripened Comox Camembert should look like, and you’ll notice its softness to the touch as well. It’s best enjoyed at peak ripeness, before it becomes overripe and the flavour begins to decline. When purchasing your Camembert, check the date stamp and, for a fully ripened experience, plan to enjoy it within the final five days.

Your perfect Buffalo Brie Share Board and Drink Pairings.

Soft Cheese, Water Buffalo Cheese

Fresh & Bright

  • Sliced pear, apple, or fresh figs
  • Green grapes or blueberries
  • Thinly sliced radish or fennel for crunch

Sweet Counterpoints

  • Local honey (especially wildflower or clover)
  • Fig jam or pear compote
  • Light berry preserves (nothing too sweet)

Crunch & Texture

  • Toasted walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds
  • Seeded crackers, water crackers, or crostini
  • Fresh baguette or sourdough

Optional Savoury Touch

  • Mild prosciutto or speck (used sparingly)
  • Olive oil & flaky sea salt drizzle just before serving

Buffalo Brie’s luxuriously creamy texture and gentle tang pair beautifully with Vancouver Island’s cool-climate wines and thoughtfully crafted beers. The key is balance — freshness, brightness, and restraint — qualities Island producers do exceptionally well.

In the Comox Valley, 40 Knots Winery & Beaufort Vineyard & Estate Winery are natural partners. Their crisp whites and light, food-friendly wines and ciders complement Buffalo Brie without overpowering it, creating an elegant pairing that feels distinctly local.

From the Cowichan Valley, Averill Creek Vineyard brings beautifully structured Chardonnay and delicate Pinot Noir that echo the cheese’s creamy character while maintaining finesse. Unsworth Vineyards rounds out the pairing with aromatic, well-balanced whites and blends that lift the palate and keep each bite feeling fresh.

For beer lovers, Gladstone Brewing Co. (Courtenay) offers an equally thoughtful Island pairing. Clean, approachable lagers like Glad Light Lager refresh the palate and let Buffalo Brie remain the star, making them ideal for relaxed boards and casual gatherings.

Together, these local wines and beers create a cohesive Vancouver Island pairing experience — one that celebrates craftsmanship, terroir, and the quiet luxury of Buffalo Brie.

Natural Pastures Baked Brie

Baked Brie Party Trick!

Recipes, Soft Cheese, , ,

A Crowd-Pleasing Delight with Comox Baked Brie

There’s nothing quite like the warm, gooey perfection of a baked Brie. If we had a party trick, this would be it!

Whether you’re serving it as a show-stopping appetizer at a dinner party or indulging in a cozy treat, baked Brie is versatile, decadent, and easy to make. At Natural Pastures Cheese Company, we’re proud to offer our award-winning Comox Brie, crafted with care from locally sourced cow’s milk on Vancouver Island. It’s the star ingredient for this indulgent dish.

Curious about the difference between Brie and Camembert? While both are soft-ripened cheeses with creamy textures, Brie has a milder, buttery flavor, while Camembert tends to be earthier and more intense. Our Comox Brie offers a smooth, approachable profile that pairs beautifully with sweet and savory accompaniments.

Where to Find Baked Brie or Make Your Own

If you’re in the Comox Valley, you can pick up pre-made Baked Brie at The Butcher’s Block, Hot Chocolates, or at The Artisan Cheese Shop at Natural Pastures Cheese Company. Located at 635 McPhee Avenue at 6th Street in Courtenay, BC, we offer finished, frozen Baked Brie ready for you to enjoy. For a DIY adventure, making baked Brie at home is simple and rewarding. All you need is a round of Comox Brie, puff pastry (store-bought or homemade), and optional toppings like fruit preserves, nuts, or honey. To get notified of sale and deals or new blog posts sign up for sms notifications here! https://mailchi.mp/naturalpastures/fkgku2e75u

Just want the Comox Brie or Comox Camembert straight up? You can find it at many British Columbia grocery stores from Save on Foods, Quality Food, IGA / IGA Market Place, Old Farm Market, Co-Op’s, The Root Cellar in Victoria, Country Grocer, Loblaws, Safeway, Stong’s Sunterra Markets, Thrifty Foods, Whole Foods Markets and Your Independent Grocer, Edible Island Grocery ( and more!)

Perfect Puff Pastry Recipe

If you’re feeling ambitious, try making your own puff pastry from scratch. The flaky, buttery layers will elevate your baked Brie to gourmet levels.

Ingredients:

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup Unsalted Cultured Natural Pastures Butter, cold and cubed
  • 2/3 cup ice water

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
  2. Add the cubed butter and cut it into the flour using a pastry cutter or your hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter chunks remaining.
  3. Gradually add the ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it.
  4. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a rectangle. Roll it out, fold it into thirds (like a letter), and turn it 90 degrees. Repeat this process 4-5 times, chilling the dough for 30 minutes between folds.
  5. Once the pastry is smooth and layered, chill it in the fridge for at least 1 hour before using.

How to Make Baked Brie

Ingredients:

  • 1 round of Natural Pastures Comox Brie
  • 1 sheet of puff pastry (store-bought or homemade)
  • Optional toppings: fruit preserves (fig, apricot, or cranberry), chopped nuts, honey, or fresh herbs
  • 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Roll out the puff pastry into a square large enough to wrap your Brie. Place the Brie in the center.
  3. Spread your desired toppings on top of the Brie.
  4. Wrap the pastry around the Brie, folding and pinching the edges to seal. Brush with the beaten egg for a golden finish.
  5. Place the wrapped Brie in a Brie baker or a dish with edges and a lid. Alternatively, cover it with parchment paper to prevent over-browning.
  6. Freeze the wrapped Brie for min 2 hours before baking. This ensures the pastry remains flaky and crisp and brie melts slowly while the exterior bakes..
  7. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.
  8. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Pair with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh fruit.

Whether you pick up a pre-made baked Brie or craft your own masterpiece, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the creamy, buttery goodness of Comox Brie wrapped in flaky puff pastry, and savor the joy of sharing good food with great company! Visit our Instagram for the full video!