How do you say "affinage" in French?

‘Affinage’ is French for ‘refining’ or ‘maturing’. Affinage refers particularly to the period of time it takes for a cheese to reach maturity.

‘Affiné, affinés’ translates as ‘ripe’ or ‘mature’. ‘Fromage affiné’ means ‘ripe cheese’. The plural, ‘fromages affinés’ is pronounced identically to the singular.

You will very often see ‘Un Plateau de Fromages Affinés’ on a French menu: it means a platter,  or variety of ripe cheeses. If you choose this course, remember that you are not expected to take more than 3-4 varieties of cheese, even if many more are on offer, unless you like the idea of being glared at by your waiter. I suggest taking a blue, a chèvre, camembert or brie, and a firm cheese so you get a good selection.

• fromage – cheese