What is Brined cheese?

Brined cheese, also sometimes referred to as pickled cheese for some varieties, is cheese that is matured in brine in an airtight or semi-permeable container. This process gives the cheese good stability, inhibiting bacterial growth even in warmer climates. Brined cheeses may be soft or hard, varying in moisture content and in colour and flavour according to the type of milk used. However, all will be rindless and generally taste clean, salty and acidic when fresh, developing some piquancy when aged; most will be white.

Brine is used in the production of other cheeses, notably washed-rind cheeses, but they are not considered brined cheeses as they are not matured in brine.