Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese
Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.
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 Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese?
Pouligny-Saint-Pierre is a raw goats' milk cheese from the Indre department of central France, shaped like a tall pyramid. Its nicknames, Eiffel Tower and Pyramid, come from that silhouette.
What's the Difference Between Brie de Meaux Cheese and Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese?
- Milk type: Brie de Meaux Cheese (cow's milk), Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese (goat's milk)
- Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese (2 to 5 weeks)
- Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese (acidic, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie de Meaux Cheese | Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Meaux | Indre, Central France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Soft |
| Rind | White mold | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum of 4 weeks | 2 to 5 weeks |
| Taste | Cream, butter, hazelnuts | Acidic, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese brings acidic, sweet character. On the nose, Brie de Meaux Cheese offers buttery, sweet, contrasted with Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese's musty, hay. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, while Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese leans toward initial sour taste with salty and sweet overtones. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese at 2 to 5 weeks.
Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese can stand in for Pouligny-Saint-Pierre 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 Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese brings acidic, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Pouligny-Saint-Pierre 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, Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts notes, while Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese fits dishes calling for acidic, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk; Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese 2 to 5 weeks.
Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese is acidic, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Meaux Cheese leans buttery, sweet, and Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese is closer to musty, hay.
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 Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese made of?
Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 2 to 5 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Pouligny-Saint-Pierre Cheese is soft.