Frequently Asked Questions
Composition and Ingredients
Are your cheeses made with Canadian milk?
Are your cheeses made with Canadian milk?
All of our cheeses are made from 100% Canadian dairy products, except for our selection of Inspiration cheeses.
Are your cheeses gluten-free?
Are your cheeses gluten-free?
Yes. All the ingredients used in the production of our cheeses are listed in the allergen declaration, which confirms the absence of gluten.
Are all your cheeses made with pasteurized milk?
Are all your cheeses made with pasteurized milk?
Yes, all our cheeses are made from pasteurized milk.
Do your products contain animal rennet?
Do your products contain animal rennet?
No, none of our products contain animal rennet. We only use microbial enzymes.
Are your cheeses kosher?
Are your cheeses kosher?
Unfortunately, Bergeron cheeses do not have kosher certification.
What does the "hay-fed cows" logo on the Louis Cyr cheese mean?
What does the "hay-fed cows" logo on the Louis Cyr cheese mean?
This logo means that the milk used to make Louis Cyr comes from farms that primarily feed their cows dry hay rather than silage hay. We selected farms that met this criterion, inspired by European cheese-making methods. Since cheese is mostly made of milk, its taste is reflected in the product. Therefore, we wanted Louis Cyr to stand out from our other products.
Do you use preservatives?
Do you use preservatives?
Yes. As mentioned in the ingredients list, we use potassium sorbate and natamycin on the surface of some of our cheeses.
Are your cheeses nut-free?
Are your cheeses nut-free?
Yes. While some of our cheeses have aromas and flavours reminiscent of hazelnuts or almonds, they do not contain any. This taste is developed during the aging process, depending on the cultures used in each of our recipes.
Lactose
What is lactose?
What is lactose?
Lactose is a sugar naturally found in milk.
Does it affect the taste of cheeses?
Does it affect the taste of cheeses?
Lactose does not affect the taste of cheeses. The flavour remains the same whether the cheese contains lactose or not.
How to "lactose-free" a cheese?
How to "lactose-free" a cheese?
Specialty Cheeses
Lactose is a sugar naturally present in milk. To remove it, we perform a process called "lactose-removal" during the early stages of making cheeses like Gouda. When the milk curdles, we remove some of the whey (also known as "buttermilk") by rinsing the curds with water. After this step, a small amount of lactose remains in the cheese. During maturation, the remaining lactose is broken down by bacteria into two easily digestible sugars: glucose and galactose. This is why our aged products have always been lactose-free.
This process has characterized our specialty cheeses from the very beginning. We've always made our specialty cheeses this way.
Fresh Cheeses
The process is different for non-aged (fresh) cheeses, as they don't undergo a maturation period. To make fresh cheese lactose-free, we have adapted the curd rinsing step to remove the whey and ensure that lactose is no longer detectable.
No substances are added to the cheese to make it lactose-free; it happens naturally during the production process.
Storage and Consumption
Is the rind edible?
Is the rind edible?
Yes, for certain cheeses. The rind of our Le Classique Fumé cheese, as its name suggests, has a subtle smoky flavour. The washed rind of Le Fin Renard complements the taste of the cheese perfectly. Since the rind is an integral part of the cheese, removing it would deprive you of a wonderful range of flavours.
Is the wax coating edible?
Is the wax coating edible?
We recommend removing the wax before consumption. Although it poses no health risk if accidentally ingested, the taste and texture of the wax are unappealing. The wax coating on Bergeron cheese wheels serves only as a protective layer. The white wax is used to help the colored wax adhere. To make removing the wax easier, simply let the cheese sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes before peeling off the wax. It softens and makes removal easier.
Can your cheeses be frozen?
Can your cheeses be frozen?
All cheeses can be frozen for up to six months. The texture may be slightly affected by freezing, but the flavour will remain intact, and freezing will not affect your cooked dishes. To minimize the effects of thawing, it’s best to defrost the product in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to store your cheeses?
What is the best way to store your cheeses?
In its original packaging, firm-textured cheese can be stored for several months. During this period, the cheese continues to mature and develops more pronounced flavours. Once the packaging is opened, we recommend wrapping it in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. The best place to store firm-textured cheese is in the vegetable drawer of your refrigerator, away from strong-smelling foods. Fresh cheeses like Brins de Gouda and Le Populaire should be kept at a temperature no higher than 24°C until the date indicated on the bag. After this period, they should be refrigerated."
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Distribution
Where can we purchase your cheeses?
Where can we purchase your cheeses?
In Quebec, Bergeron cheeses are available at all major food retailers as well as in most cheese shops and specialty grocers. Fresh cheeses are distributed mainly in the Quebec City and Trois-Rivières area, as well as in Costco stores in Quebec City, Montreal, Drummondville and Trois-Rivières and surrounding areas. Outside Quebec, Costco stores offer one or more of our cheeses depending on the region.