Neufchatel is a traditional, soft-white, table cheese, originating from northern Normandy, France. It has aroma and taste of mushrooms. The rind of this cheese is dry and velvety, while the pâte is firm but supple. Unlike other soft-white-rinded cheeses, Neufchatel has a grainy texture. Some lovers of this cheese prefer it when it has been kept until rind develops reddish pigmentation and a smell of ammonia. At this stage, the taste is bitter salty and acrid. Neufchatel comes in a variety of shapes, such as squares, cylinders and hearts.