Blue Cheese vs Laruns Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Laruns Cheese is soft, artisan and made from sheep milk, originating in France.
What Is Blue Cheese?
A type of cheese injected or inoculated with Penicillium mold to create blue or green veins, resulting in a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy or crumbly texture.
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 Blue Cheese and Laruns Cheese?
- Milk type: Blue Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat), Laruns Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Blue Cheese (Pasteurized or Raw), Laruns Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Laruns Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Blue Cheese (Natural), Laruns Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Blue Cheese (Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent), Laruns Cheese (acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Laruns Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Laruns |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Laruns Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Amaro, Apricot, Asian Pear, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Apple, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, IPA, Malbec, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Port, Scotch, Steak | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Apples, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, California Viogniers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Olives, Prosciutto, Roast Beef | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Blue Cheese and Laruns Cheese
Blue Cheese
Laruns Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Laruns Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Laruns Cheese brings acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet character. On the nose, Blue Cheese offers strong, pungent, earthy, funky, contrasted with Laruns Cheese's mild.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Laruns Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Laruns Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect crumbly, creamy, semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent while Laruns Cheese brings acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Laruns Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cheese, go with Blue Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Laruns Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent notes, while Laruns Cheese fits dishes calling for acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Laruns Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Laruns Cheese uses sheep.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Laruns Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Laruns Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Laruns Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Laruns Cheese is acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Blue Cheese leans strong, pungent, earthy, funky, and Laruns Cheese is closer to mild.
What is Blue Cheese made of?
Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or raw), using traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically aged 2-6 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, Blue Cheese or Laruns Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Laruns Cheese is soft, artisan.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Laruns Cheese.