Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Graviera Naxou Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Graviera Naxou Cheese is elastic and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in Greece.

What Is Brie de Meaux Cheese?

Brie de Meaux is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Brie region of France, an AOC product since 1980. Wheels run 36 to 37 cm (14 to 14+1/2 in) across, with a delicate white rind and a straw-yellow, creamy interior.

What Is Graviera Naxou Cheese?

Graviera Naxou is a yellow hard cheese from the Greek island of Naxos, made with pasteurized cow's milk and up to 20 percent sheep's milk. It is known for its delicate, slightly sharp aroma and its PDO status, held since 1996.

What's the Difference Between Brie de Meaux Cheese and Graviera Naxou Cheese?

• Origin: Brie de Meaux Cheese (France), Graviera Naxou Cheese (Greece)
• Milk type: Brie de Meaux Cheese (cow's milk), Graviera Naxou Cheese (Predominantly cow's milk, sheep’s or goat’s milk (up to 20%))
• Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), Graviera Naxou Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Graviera Naxou Cheese (Elastic)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Graviera Naxou Cheese (Smear rind)
• Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Graviera Naxou Cheese (3 months)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Graviera Naxou Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Graviera Naxou Cheese's delicate, slightly sharp. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Graviera Naxou Cheese leans toward produced traditionally, small-scale, without starter, renneted at 91–97°f, aged at least 3 months. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Graviera Naxou Cheese at 3 months.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Graviera Naxou Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese can stand in for Graviera Naxou Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for elastic.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Graviera Naxou Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie de Meaux Cheese. For a elastic profile, Graviera Naxou Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Graviera Naxou Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese originates in France, while Graviera Naxou Cheese comes from Greece. Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk; Graviera Naxou Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Graviera Naxou Cheese 3 months.

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Graviera Naxou Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Graviera Naxou Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Graviera Naxou Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Brie de Meaux Cheese made of?

Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using bovi rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 4 weeks. It originates in France.

What is Graviera Naxou Cheese made of?

Graviera Naxou Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized), using traditional lamb's stomach rennet. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Greece.

Which should I choose, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Graviera Naxou Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Graviera Naxou Cheese is elastic.