Camembert Cheese vs Halloumi Cheese

Camembert Cheese

Halloumi Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Camembert Cheese and Halloumi Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Camembert Cheese and Halloumi Cheese?"
  • "Is Camembert Cheese and Halloumi Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Camembert Cheese compare to Halloumi Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Camembert Cheese compare to Halloumi Cheese?"
  • "Is Camembert Cheese or Halloumi 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.

Halloumi Cheese Overview

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also cow’s milk. Renowned for its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried to a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It has a salty flavor and is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Camembert Cheese comes from France. Halloumi Cheese originated from Cyprus.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Camembert is not a protected cheese. Halloumi Cheese has a PDO (2014).

Milk Type and Treatment

Camembert Cheese is made with cow milk. Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk.

Composition and Texture

Camembert's texture can be described as "soft, artisan". Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard".

Taste and Aroma

Camembert Cheese has a sweet taste. Camembert's aroma can be described as "buttery, rich". Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty taste. Halloumi's aroma can be described as "strong".

Appearance and Aging

Camembert Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow . Halloumi Cheese has a color of white to light yellow and has an aging period of 40 days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Camembert Cheese's rind is described as bloomy . Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Camembert is ranked #11 out of 996 types based on community views. Halloumi is ranked #95 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Camembert Halloumi
Best Pairings Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Gamay, GrĂĽner Veltliner, Hard Cider, Viognier No pairings listed.
Other Good Pairings Cabernet Franc, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Fig Jam, Fruit Compote, Grapes, Kolsch, Merlot, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, White Burgundy No additional pairings listed.

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Camembert and Halloumi pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Camembert Cheese Halloumi Cheese
Country of Origin France Cyprus
Specific Origin Not Specified Cyprus
Certification Not Specified PDO (2014)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk
Rind Bloomy No rind
Texture Soft, artisan Semihard
Taste Sweet Mild, salty
Aroma Buttery, rich Strong
Colors Pale yellow White to light yellow
Age Not Specified 40 days
Rennet Type Not Specified Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a soft, artisan cheese, go for Camembert. But if you enjoy a semihard consistency, Halloumi might be the better pick. Camembert has a sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Halloumi offers a mild, salty profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Camembert Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Halloumi Cheese to Other Cheeses

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