Camembert Cheese vs Chaumes Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Chaumes Cheese is soft, semi-soft, soft-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Chaumes Cheese?
Chaumes is a cow's milk cheese from Saint-Antoine-de-Breuilh in the Périgord, south west France, built on traditional Trappist-style cheesemaking. It is known for its bright tangerine-orange washed rind, full-bodied flavour and smooth, faintly rubbery texture.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Chaumes Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Chaumes Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Chaumes Cheese (soft, semi-soft, soft-ripened)
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Chaumes Cheese (washed)
- Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Chaumes Cheese (4 weeks)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Chaumes Cheese (full-flavored, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Chaumes Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | St Antoine |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Soft, semi-soft, soft-ripened |
| Rind | Bloomy | Washed |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | 4 weeks |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Full-flavored, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Chaumes Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Chaumes Cheese brings full-flavored, nutty character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Chaumes Cheese's aromatic, strong. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Chaumes Cheese leans toward rich and full-bodied. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Chaumes Cheese at 4 weeks.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Chaumes Cheese?
In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Chaumes Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, semi-soft, soft-ripened. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Chaumes Cheese brings full-flavored, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Chaumes 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, semi-soft, soft-ripened profile, Chaumes Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Chaumes Cheese fits dishes calling for full-flavored, nutty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Chaumes Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Chaumes Cheese 4 weeks.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Chaumes Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Chaumes Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Chaumes Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Chaumes Cheese is full-flavored, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Chaumes Cheese is closer to aromatic, strong.
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 Chaumes Cheese made of?
Chaumes Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Chaumes Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Chaumes Cheese is soft, semi-soft, soft-ripened.