Camembert de Normandie Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese

Camembert de Normandie Cheese is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Parmesan Cheese is hard 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 Parmesan Cheese?

Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, is a hard granular cow's milk cheese from northern Italy, aged at least 12 months. It is known for its sharp, salty, savory taste, which comes from an unusually high level of glutamate.

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

• Origin: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (France), Parmesan Cheese (Italy)
• Texture: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Soft, creamy), Parmesan Cheese (Hard)
• Rind: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Bloomy, white), Parmesan Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (~30 days), Parmesan Cheese (minimum 12 months, average 2 years)
• Taste: Camembert de Normandie Cheese (Young: Lactic, tangy, sweet; Aged: Pungent, mushroom, garlic), Parmesan Cheese (salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic, while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory character. On the nose, Camembert de Normandie Cheese offers lactic to pungent with notes of mushroom and garlic, contrasted with Parmesan Cheese's nutty, strong. 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 Parmesan Cheese leans toward sharp, salty, savory, strong umami. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert de Normandie Cheese at ~30 days develops a different profile than Parmesan Cheese at minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Can You Substitute Camembert de Normandie Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert de Normandie Cheese and Parmesan 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 hard. Flavor-wise, Camembert de Normandie Cheese reads as young: lactic, tangy, sweet; aged: pungent, mushroom, garlic while Parmesan Cheese brings salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert de Normandie Cheese or Parmesan 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 hard profile, Parmesan 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 Parmesan Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese the same as Parmesan Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert de Normandie Cheese originates in France, while Parmesan Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Camembert de Normandie Cheese is typically aged ~30 days, Parmesan Cheese minimum 12 months, average 2 years.

Is Camembert de Normandie Cheese similar to Parmesan Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert de Normandie Cheese for Parmesan Cheese?

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

Does Camembert de Normandie Cheese taste like Parmesan Cheese?

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

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 Parmesan Cheese made of?

Parmesan Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal (calf rennet) rennet. It's typically aged minimum 12 months, average 2 years. It originates in Italy.

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

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert de Normandie Cheese is soft, creamy, while Parmesan Cheese is hard.