Camembert Cheese vs Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese is soft, friable and made from cow or sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Camembert Cheese?
Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.
What Is Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese?
Casciotta d'Urbino is a caciotta cheese from the province of Pesaro and Urbino in Italy's Marche region. It mixes 70 to 80 percent sheep's milk with 20 to 30 percent cow's milk.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese?
- Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Camembert Cheese (cow's milk), Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese (70–80% ewe's, 20–30% cow's)
- Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese (Soft, friable)
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese (Thin (1mm))
- Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese (20 to 30 days)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese (Sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | Province Of Pesaro And Urbino, Marche, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | 70–80% ewe's, 20–30% cow's |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Soft, friable |
| Rind | Bloomy | Thin (1mm) |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | 20 to 30 days |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese brings sweet character. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese leans toward straw-white color, small holes, sweet taste. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese at 20 to 30 days.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese?
Camembert Cheese can stand in for Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, friable. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese brings sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Camembert Cheese. For a soft, friable profile, Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese comes from Italy. Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk; Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese uses cow or sheep. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese 20 to 30 days.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese is sweet.
What is Camembert Cheese made of?
Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. It originates in France.
What is Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese made of?
Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese is made from cow or sheep milk (raw), using liquid and/or powdered calf rennet. It's typically aged 20 to 30 days. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Casciotta d'Urbino Cheese is soft, friable.