Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Kanafeh Cheese
Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Kanafeh Cheese is soft, originating in Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey.
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 Kanafeh Cheese?
Knafeh is an Arab dessert of spun kadayif pastry layered with soft white cheese and soaked in sugar syrup. Nablus in Palestine is known for its version, made with the city's firm, salty Nabulsi cheese and served hot under crushed pistachios.
What's the Difference Between Brie de Meaux Cheese and Kanafeh Cheese?
- Origin: Brie de Meaux Cheese (France), Kanafeh Cheese (Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey)
- Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Kanafeh Cheese (soft)
- Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Kanafeh Cheese (sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie de Meaux Cheese | Kanafeh Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria And Turkey |
| Specific Origin | Meaux | Levant |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | — |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft | Soft |
| Rind | White mold | — |
| Aging | Minimum of 4 weeks | — |
| Taste | Cream, butter, hazelnuts | Sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Kanafeh Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Kanafeh Cheese brings sweet character. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Kanafeh Cheese leans toward sugar syrup with rose water or orange blossom water, salty cheese, crushed pistachio.
Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Kanafeh Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese can stand in for Kanafeh 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 soft. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while Kanafeh Cheese brings sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Kanafeh 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 soft profile, Kanafeh Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Kanafeh Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Kanafeh Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese originates in France, while Kanafeh Cheese comes from Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey.
Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Kanafeh Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Kanafeh Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Kanafeh Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Kanafeh Cheese is sweet.
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 Kanafeh Cheese made of?
Kanafeh Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey.
Which should I choose, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Kanafeh Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Kanafeh Cheese is soft.