Brin d'Amour Cheese vs Hipi Iti Cheese
Brin d'Amour Cheese is a soft to firm sheep-milk cheese from France, while Hipi Iti Cheese is semi-soft and made from sheep milk, originating in New Zealand.
What Is Brin d'Amour Cheese?
Brin d'amour is a Corsican raw sheep's milk cheese created in the 1950s. It is known for a natural rind dusted with herbs of the maquis, which pass their flavor into the soft ivory paste as the cheese ages.
What Is Hipi Iti Cheese?
Hipi Iti is a semi-soft cheese made from pasteurized sheep's milk in Wellington, New Zealand. With a fat content of 52%, it offers a rich and creamy texture. The cheese is rindless, which allows its fresh aroma to come through without interference. Its flavor profile is characterized by a salty and tangy taste, making it a flavorful addition to a variety of dishes or a cheese board. Enjoy it on its own or paired with fruits and nuts for a balanced snack.
What's the Difference Between Brin d'Amour Cheese and Hipi Iti Cheese?
- Origin: Brin d'Amour Cheese (France), Hipi Iti Cheese (New Zealand)
- Milk treatment: Brin d'Amour Cheese (raw), Hipi Iti Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Brin d'Amour Cheese (Soft to firm), Hipi Iti Cheese (semi-soft)
- Rind: Brin d'Amour Cheese (Natural), Hipi Iti Cheese (rindless)
- Taste: Brin d'Amour Cheese (Earthy), Hipi Iti Cheese (salty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brin d'Amour Cheese | Hipi Iti Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | New Zealand |
| Specific Origin | Corsica, France | Wellington |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft to firm | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Natural | Rindless |
| Aging | 1 to 3 months | — |
| Taste | Earthy | Salty, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Brin d'Amour Cheese Taste Like Hipi Iti Cheese?
Brin d'Amour Cheese reads as earthy, while Hipi Iti Cheese brings salty, tangy character. On the nose, Brin d'Amour Cheese offers herbaceous, contrasted with Hipi Iti Cheese's fresh.
Can You Substitute Brin d'Amour Cheese for Hipi Iti Cheese?
In most recipes, Brin d'Amour Cheese and Hipi Iti Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft to firm bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Brin d'Amour Cheese reads as earthy while Hipi Iti Cheese brings salty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Brin d'Amour Cheese or Hipi Iti Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft to firm cheese, go with Brin d'Amour Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Hipi Iti Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brin d'Amour Cheese suits recipes that want earthy notes, while Hipi Iti Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, tangy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brin d'Amour Cheese the same as Hipi Iti Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brin d'Amour Cheese originates in France, while Hipi Iti Cheese comes from New Zealand.
Is Brin d'Amour Cheese similar to Hipi Iti Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Brin d'Amour Cheese for Hipi Iti Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Brin d'Amour Cheese taste like Hipi Iti Cheese?
Brin d'Amour Cheese reads as earthy, while Hipi Iti Cheese is salty, tangy. Aromas also diverge. Brin d'Amour Cheese leans herbaceous, and Hipi Iti Cheese is closer to fresh.
What is Brin d'Amour Cheese made of?
Brin d'Amour Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged 1 to 3 months. It originates in France.
What is Hipi Iti Cheese made of?
Hipi Iti Cheese is made from sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in New Zealand.
Which should I choose, Brin d'Amour Cheese or Hipi Iti Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brin d'Amour Cheese is soft to firm, while Hipi Iti Cheese is semi-soft.