How many french cheeses?

Answer 1

It's almost impossible to answer this because there are so many, and because different cheese makers may produce their own varieties. There are so many variables, such as type of milk, type of bacteria/rennet, how long it's aged, if it's got a washed rind, or a coating, or nothing at all. There are hard, soft, and semi soft cheese, as well as creamy styles. Wikipedia says there are currently 350 - 400 (or possibly up to 1000) distinct types of french cheese grouped into 8 main categories: fresh cheeses, soft cheeses with natural rind, soft cheeses with washed ring, pressed cheeses, pressed and cooked cheeses, goat cheese, blue cheese, and processed cheese.