Beaufort Cheese vs Fleur du Maquis Cheese

Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Fleur du Maquis Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from sheep 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 Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis, also sold as Brin d'amour, is a Corsican raw sheep's milk cheese created in the 1950s. Its natural rind is dusted with maquis herbs, which the paste absorbs as it ages.

What's the Difference Between Beaufort Cheese and Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

• Milk type: Beaufort Cheese (cow's milk), Fleur du Maquis Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Fleur du Maquis Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
• Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), Fleur du Maquis Cheese (natural, coated in maquis herbs)
• Aging: Beaufort Cheese (5 to 12+ months), Fleur du Maquis Cheese (1 to 3 months)
• Taste: Beaufort Cheese (strong), Fleur du Maquis Cheese (citrusy, mild)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Fleur du Maquis Cheese brings citrusy, mild character. On the nose, Beaufort Cheese offers fruity, nutty, contrasted with Fleur du Maquis Cheese's herbal. Aging plays into this as well. Beaufort Cheese at 5 to 12+ months develops a different profile than Fleur du Maquis Cheese at 1 to 3 months.

Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese can stand in for Fleur du Maquis 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 semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese reads as strong while Fleur du Maquis Cheese brings citrusy, mild notes.

Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Fleur du Maquis 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 semi-soft, artisan profile, Fleur du Maquis Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese suits recipes that want strong notes, while Fleur du Maquis Cheese fits dishes calling for citrusy, mild.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk; Fleur du Maquis Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Beaufort Cheese is typically aged 5 to 12+ months, Fleur du Maquis Cheese 1 to 3 months.

Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Fleur du Maquis Cheese is citrusy, mild. Aromas also diverge. Beaufort Cheese leans fruity, nutty, and Fleur du Maquis Cheese is closer to herbal.

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 Fleur du Maquis Cheese made of?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged 1 to 3 months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaufort Cheese is hard, while Fleur du Maquis Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.