Camembert Cheese vs Farmstead Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Farmstead Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese.
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 Farmstead Cheese?
Farmstead cheese, called farmhouse cheese in Europe, is made on the same farm that produced the milk. No outside milk is allowed, so each one tastes like the herd and land behind it.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Farmstead Cheese?
- Milk type: Camembert Cheese (cow's milk), Farmstead Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Farmstead Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | Europe And North America |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | — |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | — |
| Rind | Bloomy | — |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | — |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Farmstead Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Farmstead Cheese?
Camembert Cheese can stand in for Farmstead Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Farmstead Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Farmstead Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk; Farmstead Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Farmstead Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Farmstead Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Farmstead Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Farmstead Cheese made of?
Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Farmstead Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.