Berkswell Cheese vs Camembert Cheese
Berkswell Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Berkswell Cheese?
Berkswell is a hard sheep's milk cheese made at Ram Hall Farm near Berkswell in the West Midlands, England. Draining in plastic colanders gives it an unusual shape, and its mature pecorino character won Supreme Champion at the 2017 Artisan Cheese Awards.
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 Berkswell Cheese and Camembert Cheese?
- Origin: Berkswell Cheese (United Kingdom), Camembert Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Berkswell Cheese (sheep's milk), Camembert Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Berkswell Cheese (unpasteurized), Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions)
- Texture: Berkswell Cheese (hard), Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Berkswell Cheese (natural), Camembert Cheese (Bloomy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Berkswell Cheese | Camembert Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | France |
| Specific Origin | Berkswell, West Midlands, England | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions |
| Texture | Hard | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Bloomy |
| Aging | — | Minimum 3 weeks |
| Taste | — | Slightly sour, stronger than brie |
Taste Comparison: Does Berkswell Cheese Taste Like Camembert Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Berkswell Cheese offers sweet, contrasted with Camembert Cheese's buttery, rich.
Can You Substitute Berkswell Cheese for Camembert Cheese?
Berkswell Cheese can stand in for Camembert 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.
Which Is Better, Berkswell Cheese or Camembert Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Berkswell Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Camembert Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkswell Cheese the same as Camembert Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Berkswell Cheese originates in United Kingdom, while Camembert Cheese comes from France. Berkswell Cheese is made from sheep milk; Camembert Cheese uses cow.
Is Berkswell Cheese similar to Camembert Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Berkswell Cheese for Camembert Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Berkswell Cheese taste like Camembert Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Berkswell Cheese made of?
Berkswell Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It originates in United Kingdom.
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, Berkswell Cheese or Camembert Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Berkswell Cheese is hard, while Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan.