What is the difference between smear and washed rind cheeses?
Smear and washed rinds are essentially the same. The key here is the red to orange yellow surface with a characteristic B. Linens aroma that can range from mild to strong. All of these cheeses rely on a surface developed from washing or smearing with salt water and Coryneform (B. Linens) enhanced solution. Look for a moist but not wet surface. There should be no slimy surfaces or dried cracking surfaces. It should be red to orange/yellow with perhaps a light white mold growing through it. The paste needs to be fully ripened with little to no opaque curdiness in the center.
