Rind is the exterior layer of the cheese and is almost always edible. Cloth, leaf, wax and other coatings are usually not, with a few exceptions. Edible coatings, often considered part of the rind, include ash, edible flowers, herbs and even fine layers of food-grade paraffin or bee's wax. Cheese rind is an important part of the cheese, adding additional flavors and textures to the experience.