Camembert de Normandie Cheese vs Gorgonzola Cheese

Camembert de Normandie Cheese is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Gorgonzola Cheese is semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese?

Camembert de Normandie is the AOC version of Camembert, a soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy in northwest France. The rules require raw milk from Normande cows, and each small round is covered by a bloomy white rind.

What Is Gorgonzola Cheese?

Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese made from unskimmed cow's milk, named for a town near Milan. It comes in two styles: dolce, mild and buttery, and piccante, sharper with a firm, crumbly body.

What's the Difference Between Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Gorgonzola Cheese?

• Origin: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (France), Gorgonzola Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (unpasteurized), Gorgonzola Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Soft, creamy), Gorgonzola Cheese (Semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined)
• Rind: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Bloomy, white), Gorgonzola Cheese (None)
• Aging: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (~30 days), Gorgonzola Cheese (2 to 3 months)
• Taste: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Young: Lactic, tangy, sweet; Aged: Pungent, mushroom, garlic), Gorgonzola Cheese (Sweet to savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert de Normandie Cheese Taste Like Gorgonzola Cheese?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic, while Gorgonzola Cheese brings sweet to savory character. On the nose, Camembert de Normandie Cheese offers lactic to pungent with notes of mushroom and garlic, contrasted with Gorgonzola Cheese's nutty. More specifically, Camembert de Normandie Cheese shows starts with a tangy, sweet flavor, evolving into more pungent notes of mushroom and garlic as it ages. the texture also evolves from somewhat crumbly to satisfyingly sticky and chewy., while Gorgonzola Cheese leans toward dolce: creamy, slightly spicy, delicate. piccante: blue-veined, crumbly, strong, with widespread bluish-green marbling. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert de Normandie Cheese at ~30 days develops a different profile than Gorgonzola Cheese at 2 to 3 months.

Can You Substitute Camembert de Normandie Cheese for Gorgonzola Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Gorgonzola Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic while Gorgonzola Cheese brings sweet to savory notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert de Normandie Cheese or Gorgonzola 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 Camembert de Normandie Cheese. For a semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined profile, Gorgonzola Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert de Normandie Cheese suits recipes that want young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic notes, while Gorgonzola Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet to savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese the same as Gorgonzola Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert de Normandie Cheese originates in France, while Gorgonzola Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Camembert de Normandie Cheese is typically aged ~30 days, Gorgonzola Cheese 2 to 3 months.

Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese similar to Gorgonzola Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Camembert de Normandie Cheese for Gorgonzola Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Camembert de Normandie Cheese taste like Gorgonzola Cheese?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic, while Gorgonzola Cheese is sweet to savory. Aromas also diverge. Camembert de Normandie Cheese leans lactic to pungent with notes of mushroom and garlic, and Gorgonzola Cheese is closer to nutty.

What is Camembert de Normandie Cheese made of?

Camembert de Normandie Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged ~30 days. It originates in France.

What is Gorgonzola Cheese made of?

Gorgonzola Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Camembert de Normandie Cheese or Gorgonzola Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert de Normandie Cheese is soft, creamy, while Gorgonzola Cheese is semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined.