What is a Cheese Rind?

What is a Cheese Rind?


This is the outer edge or the surface that is furthest away from the center of the cheese. 


Generally speaking the rind is edible unless it is man-made, or too firm, or has a taste that does not appeal to your palate. You will often find that the outside of the cheese is often covered with a wax coating, this is definitely not edible!


If you are one that feels the hardened rind is not considered good for eating or grating you can cut the rind from the cheese and use it as a seasoning for foods. For example the rind from Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese is commonly added to soups, stews, dried beans, sauces, and canned or fresh vegetables. I often save my rinds for future use, by wrapping them in plastic wrap and putting them in the freezer. After freezing they are easier to grate (a zester or micro plane works well for this purpose) or simply throw the rind, like a bay leaf into a soup or sauce.