Camembert Cheese vs Grevé Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Grevé Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Sweden.
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 Grevé Cheese?
Grevé is a Swedish cow's milk cheese built along the lines of Emmental, first produced in 1964 at Örnsköldsvik. It is semi-hard, tastes nut-like and slightly sweet, and carries a fat content of 30 to 45 percent.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Grevé Cheese?
- Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Grevé Cheese (Sweden)
- Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Grevé Cheese (semi-hard)
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Grevé Cheese (waxed)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Grevé Cheese (mild, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Grevé Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Sweden |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | Örnsköldsvik, Västernorrland County, Sweden |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | — |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Bloomy | Waxed |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | — |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Mild, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Grevé Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Grevé Cheese brings mild, nutty character. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Grevé Cheese leans toward nut-like, slightly sweet.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Grevé Cheese?
In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Grevé 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 semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Grevé Cheese brings mild, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Grevé 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 semi-hard profile, Grevé Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Grevé Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, nutty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Grevé Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Grevé Cheese comes from Sweden.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Grevé Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Grevé Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Grevé Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Grevé Cheese is mild, nutty.
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 Grevé Cheese made of?
Grevé Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Sweden.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Grevé Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Grevé Cheese is semi-hard.