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Camembert Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese
Camembert Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Camembert Cheese and Cheddar Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Camembert Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?"
- "Is Camembert Cheese and Cheddar Cheese the same?"
- "How does Camembert Cheese compare to Cheddar Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Camembert Cheese compare to Cheddar Cheese?"
- "Is Camembert Cheese or Cheddar Cheese better?"
Camembert Cheese Overview
Camembert is a famous French cheese with a soft, creamy interior and a bloomy rind. It's made from cow's milk and has a rich, buttery flavor with earthy undertones. True Camembert from Normandy has a slightly more intense flavor compared to other varieties and becomes runnier as it ages.
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Camembert Cheese comes from France. Cheddar Cheese originated from England.
Milk Type and Treatment
Camembert Cheese is made with cow milk. Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized.
Composition and Texture
Camembert's texture can be described as "soft, artisan". Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of none. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)".
Taste and Aroma
Camembert Cheese has a sweet taste. Camembert's aroma can be described as "buttery, rich". Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies".
Appearance and Aging
Camembert Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow . Cheddar Cheese has a color of natural or dyed orange , comes in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and has an aging period of a few months to several years .
Rind and Rennet Type
Camembert Cheese's rind is described as bloomy . Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .
Ranking
Camembert is ranked #11 out of 996 types based on community views. Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Camembert | Cheddar | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Gamay, Grüner Veltliner, Hard Cider, Viognier | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey |
| Other Good Pairings | Cabernet Franc, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Fig Jam, Fruit Compote, Grapes, Kolsch, Merlot, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, White Burgundy | Kombucha, Tomatoes |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Camembert and Cheddar pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Camembert Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Not Specified | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | At least 50% fat in dry matter |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | Up to 39% |
| Rind | Bloomy | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) |
| Taste | Sweet | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory |
| Aroma | Buttery, rich | Varies |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Natural or dyed orange |
| Forms | Not Specified | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks |
| Age | Not Specified | A few months to several years |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, artisan cheese, go for Camembert. But if you enjoy a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) consistency, Cheddar might be the better pick. Camembert has a sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Cheddar offers a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory profile, ideal for different meals.
