Beaufort Cheese vs Figue Cheese
Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Figue Cheese is soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in France.
What Is Beaufort Cheese?
Beaufort is a firm raw cow's milk cheese from the Savoie region of the French Alps, part of the gruyère family. Its wheels take a concave shape from the beechwood hoop, and the cheese melts easily enough to be a standard choice for fondue.
What Is Figue Cheese?
Figue is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in the Provence region of France. It has a creamy white color and a natural rind. Known for its full-flavored and sour taste, Figue offers a rich experience for those who enjoy goat's milk cheeses. Its aromatic, milky scent enhances its appeal, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts. The cheese is often shaped like a small fig, which is reflected in its name. Enjoy it on a cheese board or paired with fresh bread and a glass of wine to appreciate its flavorful profile.
What's the Difference Between Beaufort Cheese and Figue Cheese?
- Milk type: Beaufort Cheese (cow's milk), Figue Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Beaufort Cheese (Raw), Figue Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Figue Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), Figue Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Beaufort Cheese (strong), Figue Cheese (full-flavored, sour)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Beaufort Cheese | Figue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Beaufortin Valley, Savoie Region | Provence |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Even yellow color | Natural |
| Aging | 5 to 12+ months | — |
| Taste | Strong | Full-flavored, sour |
Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Figue Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Figue Cheese brings full-flavored, sour character. On the nose, Beaufort Cheese offers fruity, nutty, contrasted with Figue Cheese's aromatic, milky.
Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Figue Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese can stand in for Figue Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese reads as strong while Figue Cheese brings full-flavored, sour notes.
Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Figue Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Beaufort Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Figue Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese suits recipes that want strong notes, while Figue Cheese fits dishes calling for full-flavored, sour.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Figue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk; Figue Cheese uses goat.
Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Figue Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Figue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Figue Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Figue Cheese is full-flavored, sour. Aromas also diverge. Beaufort Cheese leans fruity, nutty, and Figue Cheese is closer to aromatic, milky.
What is Beaufort Cheese made of?
Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using dried calves’ abomasum in recuite rennet. It's typically aged 5 to 12+ months. It originates in France.
What is Figue Cheese made of?
Figue Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Figue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaufort Cheese is hard, while Figue Cheese is soft, artisan.