Named after the village in Normandy, Livarot is a pungent cheese meant to be eaten when ripe.

During the aging process, the rind is washed with annatto (from the achiote tree), which is a bit peppery in taste and used as a red food coloring agent.

Not for the faint of heart, this cheese can get quite smelly, but its rich, creamy pate makes it oh-so delectable if you can handle it.

Sweet fruits such as apples or pears are a perfect pairing with Livarot because they cut the saltiness and slight spiciness of the cheese.

Great with beer.