Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese vs Camembert Cheese
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is a cheese, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese?
Allgäuer Bergkäse is a German raw milk mountain cheese with a protected designation of origin. Loaves weigh 15 to 50 kg, ripen at least four months, and taste mild, aromatic and nutty, with more punch as the cheese ages.
What Is Camembert Cheese?
Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.
What's the Difference Between Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese and Camembert Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese (Raw), Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions)
- Rind: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese (Yes), Camembert Cheese (Bloomy)
- Aging: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese (4 months), Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese | Camembert Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | Landkreise Lindau (Bodensee), Oberallgäu, Ostallgäu, Unterallgäu, Ravensburg, Bodenseekreis; Städte Kaufbeuren, Kempten, Memmingen | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions |
| Texture | — | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Yes | Bloomy |
| Aging | 4 months | Minimum 3 weeks |
| Taste | — | Slightly sour, stronger than brie |
Taste Comparison: Does Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese Taste Like Camembert Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese at 4 months develops a different profile than Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks.
Can You Substitute Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese for Camembert Cheese?
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese can stand in for Camembert Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese or Camembert Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese the same as Camembert Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is typically aged 4 months, Camembert Cheese minimum 3 weeks.
Is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese similar to Camembert Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese for Camembert Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese taste like Camembert Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese made of?
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is made from milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months.
What is Camembert Cheese made of?
Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese or Camembert Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.