Chaumes has a distinctive golden soft rind that has a bright tangerine-orange color. The interior is smooth, supple; a rich mellow cheese. The nutty, almost meaty taste and aroma are mild. This gourmet cheese is made of pasteurized milk.
This factory-produced gourmet cheese is less pronounced than a Munster or an Epoisses, but stronger than a Port Salut. Chaumes may be a good starting point for those who would like to try the very pungent cheeses one day.
The high mountain pastures of the Vosges is the home of the Chaumes.