Boulette d'Avesnes is a cone shaped gourmet cheese with a natural rind given a dark red color by the use of annatto or paprika. It has a very strong taste. Its nickname is 'suppositoire du diable' (the devil's suppository).
The soft curd is kneaded and mashed with parsley, tarragon, pepper and paprika and shaped by hand into a pointed pear. This gourmet cheese is typical for spicy texture.
Sample the Boulette d'Avesnes with rich bread, something like the Dutch Kletzenbread, and a cold beer and you will experience that the spiciness and creaminess of the cheese will not be overpowering.
Maturing takes two to three months.
In order to comply with US FDA regulation for export to the USA the maturation of this cheese has been extended to over 60 days.