Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese vs Mimolette Cheese

Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan, brined cow-milk cheese from France, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese?

Cîteaux is a farmhouse cheese made by the monks of the Abbaye de Cîteaux in the Côte-d'Or and sold under that name since 1925. It is a small pressed wheel of about 720 grams, made from thermized milk of the abbey's own Montbéliarde cows.

What Is Mimolette Cheese?

Mimolette is a hard, bright orange cow's milk cheese made around Lille in northern France. It is sold at several ages, from young wheels that taste like Parmesan to extra-old ones with a hazelnut flavor and a grey, mite-worked rind.

What's the Difference Between Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese and Mimolette Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese (thermized), Mimolette Cheese (Pasteurized)
• Texture: Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese (semi-soft, artisan, brined), Mimolette Cheese (Smooth, creamy body)
• Rind: Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese (washed), Mimolette Cheese (Natural)
• Aging: Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese (three weeks), Mimolette Cheese (6 weeks to 24 months)
• Taste: Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese (acidic, milky, smooth), Mimolette Cheese (Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese Taste Like Mimolette Cheese?

Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese reads as acidic, milky, smooth, while Mimolette Cheese brings sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel character. On the nose, Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese offers barnyardy, earthy, contrasted with Mimolette Cheese's butterscotch. Aging plays into this as well. Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese at three weeks develops a different profile than Mimolette Cheese at 6 weeks to 24 months.

Can You Substitute Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?

In most recipes, Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese and Mimolette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft, artisan, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for smooth, creamy body. Flavor-wise, Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese reads as acidic, milky, smooth while Mimolette Cheese brings sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel notes.

Which Is Better, Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan, brined cheese, go with Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese. For a smooth, creamy body profile, Mimolette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese suits recipes that want acidic, milky, smooth notes, while Mimolette Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese the same as Mimolette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese is typically aged three weeks, Mimolette Cheese 6 weeks to 24 months.

Is Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese similar to Mimolette Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese taste like Mimolette Cheese?

Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese reads as acidic, milky, smooth, while Mimolette Cheese is sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel. Aromas also diverge. Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese leans barnyardy, earthy, and Mimolette Cheese is closer to butterscotch.

What is Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese made of?

Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese is made from cow milk (thermized). It's typically aged three weeks. It originates in France.

What is Mimolette Cheese made of?

Mimolette Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 weeks to 24 months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, brined, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body.