Neufchâtel comes in a variety of shapes, such as squares, cylinders and hearts. It is said that the heart shape as due to the young women of Normandy at that time who wanted to express discreetly their feelings to the English soldiers during the wars in the Middle Ages.
Neufchâtel AOC is a traditional, soft-white, table cheese, made from pasteurized cow's milk and this gourmet cheese originates from northern Normandy. Some claim it is the oldest Normandy cheese. It has the aroma and taste of mushrooms. The rind of this cheese is dry and velvety, while the paste is firm but supple. Unlike other soft cheeses with a white-rind, Neufchâtel has a grainy texture.