Do you suffer from turophilia?

What is Turophilia and who suffers from it?

What is it? Relax, it's not a disease or a secret sect of foodies. Turophilia is simply the love and fascination for cheese. And if you suffer from it, don't worry, you're not alone. Cheese has that effect: you either love it or you hate it with all your might.

A turophile, in short, is a lover of cheese in all its forms, aromas and textures. The word comes from the Greek tyros (τυρός), meaning cheese, and philos (φίλος), meaning lover. And since there is no love without celebration, International Cheese Day is the perfect excuse to pay tribute to this delicacy. It is celebrated every March 27 and, although we don't have a national holiday (absolute injustice) and we like to celebrate it every day (like Valentine's Day), it is a good time to indulge guiltlessly in a good portion of camembert in the appetizer, parmesan in our pasta or ricotta in our dessert. Whatever your heart and your stomach ask for.

Now that you know you're a turophile (or have one around), the real question is: how much of a turophile are you? Let's find out.

Are you a true turophile? The signs that give you away

Do you consider yourself a true turophile? There is only one way to find out: answer the questions in this test and see if you are a simple cheese lover or a true cheese devotee.

1. You have more cheeses in your fridge than vegetables, yes/no?

Having only one type of cheese seems insufficient to you. The normal thing in your house is to find several: one for spreading, one for gratin, a couple for snacking and, of course, a special one for those days when you want to indulge yourself.

2. Do you think that any dish improves with cheese, yes/no?

Pasta without grated cheese is an insult. The hamburger without a good slice of melted Cheddar is a waste. No matter what you're eating, you always wonder if it would be better with cheese. And the answer is usually yes.

3. You have tried more cheeses than you can remember, yes/no?

You're not satisfied with the supermarket's burger cheese. You have dared with a blue Roquefort, you have devoured a camembert in Normandy and you have felt in paradise tasting a Pecorino in Tuscany. International supermarkets and cheese fairs are your "place to be" when you visit anywhere.

4. You are not afraid of strong smelling cheeses yes/no?

While others wrinkle their nose at Roquefort, or Gorgonzola, you see it as an invitation to the pleasure to come. For you, cheeses with character are synonymous with pleasure and their aroma is proportional to the happiness that eating them generates in you.

5. You have perfected the art of pairing, yes/no?

It's not just bread and cheese. You know that a Brie shines with a cider and that Gorgonzola cries out for a sweet touch. If you are also one of those who combine cheese with craft beer, you can consider yourself an expert.

6. Traveling for you is an excuse to try new cheeses, yes/no?

If you go to France, the first thing you want is a well-cured Comté. If you land in Holland, you ask where to buy farmhouse Gouda. Your wish list is full of cheeses you haven't tried yet.

7. You have a favorite cheese, but you would never refuse to try another one, yes/no?

There is always one cheese that you come back to again and again, your infallible classic. But if you're presented with a variety you've never tried before, you don't hesitate for a second.

>> If you've nodded at more than three of these signs, we're sorry: you're a full-fledged turophile. And that's something to be proud of ;-)

How about you?

Now that you know what it means to be a true cheese lover, tell us: What cheese is never missing in your home? Have you tried a variety that has changed your life? Any secret pairings we should know about?