Beaufort Cheese vs Laruns Cheese
Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Laruns Cheese is 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 Laruns Cheese?
Laruns is a French cheese originating from the region of Laruns. Made from unpasteurized sheep's milk, it is known for its soft, artisan texture. The flavor profile is a balanced mix of acidic, mild, nutty, salty, and sweet notes, making it a versatile choice for various pairings. It has a mild aroma that complements its straw-colored appearance. The cheese is wrapped in a natural rind, adding to its rustic appeal. Laruns is a prime example of traditional sheep's milk cheese, offering a gentle yet flavorful tasting experience.
What's the Difference Between Beaufort Cheese and Laruns Cheese?
- Milk type: Beaufort Cheese (cow's milk), Laruns Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Beaufort Cheese (Raw), Laruns Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Laruns Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), Laruns Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Beaufort Cheese (strong), Laruns Cheese (acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Beaufort Cheese | Laruns Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Beaufortin Valley, Savoie Region | Laruns |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Even yellow color | Natural |
| Aging | 5 to 12+ months | — |
| Taste | Strong | Acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Laruns Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Laruns Cheese brings acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet character. On the nose, Beaufort Cheese offers fruity, nutty, contrasted with Laruns Cheese's mild.
Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Laruns Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese can stand in for Laruns 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 Laruns Cheese brings acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Laruns 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, Laruns Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese suits recipes that want strong notes, while Laruns Cheese fits dishes calling for acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Laruns Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk; Laruns Cheese uses sheep.
Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Laruns Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Laruns Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Laruns Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Laruns Cheese is acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Beaufort Cheese leans fruity, nutty, and Laruns Cheese is closer to mild.
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 Laruns Cheese made of?
Laruns Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Laruns Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaufort Cheese is hard, while Laruns Cheese is soft, artisan.