Boursin Cheese vs Fleur du Maquis Cheese

Boursin Cheese is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Fleur du Maquis Cheese is semi-soft and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

What Is Boursin Cheese?

Boursin is a French brand of soft, fresh Gournay-style cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk and cream with herbs mixed in. It spreads easily, crumbles a little, and is best known for its original garlic and fine herbs flavour.

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 Boursin Cheese and Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

• Milk type: Boursin Cheese (Cow's milk), Fleur du Maquis Cheese (Sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Boursin Cheese (Pasteurized), Fleur du Maquis Cheese (raw)
• Texture: Boursin Cheese (Soft, creamy), Fleur du Maquis Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Rind: Boursin Cheese (None), Fleur du Maquis Cheese (natural, coated in maquis herbs)
• Aging: Boursin Cheese (Fresh (not aged)), Fleur du Maquis Cheese (1 to 3 months)
• Taste: Boursin Cheese (Garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive), Fleur du Maquis Cheese (citrusy, mild)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Fleur du Maquis Cheese brings citrusy, mild character. On the nose, Boursin Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Fleur du Maquis Cheese's herbal. Aging plays into this as well. Boursin Cheese at fresh (not aged) develops a different profile than Fleur du Maquis Cheese at 1 to 3 months.

Can You Substitute Boursin Cheese for Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

Boursin Cheese can stand in for Fleur du Maquis Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive while Fleur du Maquis Cheese brings citrusy, mild notes.

Which Is Better, Boursin 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 soft, creamy cheese, go with Boursin Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Fleur du Maquis Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Boursin Cheese suits recipes that want garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive notes, while Fleur du Maquis Cheese fits dishes calling for citrusy, mild.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Boursin Cheese the same as Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Boursin Cheese is made from cow milk; Fleur du Maquis Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Boursin Cheese is typically aged fresh (not aged), Fleur du Maquis Cheese 1 to 3 months.

Is Boursin Cheese similar to Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Boursin Cheese for Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

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

Does Boursin Cheese taste like Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

Boursin Cheese reads as garlic and herbs, pepper, or shallots and chive, while Fleur du Maquis Cheese is citrusy, mild. Aromas also diverge. Boursin Cheese leans mild, and Fleur du Maquis Cheese is closer to herbal.

What is Boursin Cheese made of?

Boursin Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial rennet. It's typically aged fresh (not aged). 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, Boursin Cheese or Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

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