Camembert Cheese vs Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' and made from cow milk.
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 Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda is a cow's milk Gouda from North Holland and one of three Dutch Goudas with EU protected status. It is made only in the Netherlands, from milk of Dutch cows, and ranges from mild and elastic at four weeks to hard and sharp past a year.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Pasteurized)
- Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product')
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Closed, smooth, yellow, no visible mold growth)
- Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | North Holland |
| 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 | Pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' |
| Rind | Bloomy | Closed, smooth, yellow, no visible mold growth |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | Minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese brings aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp character. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese leans toward less salty than other gouda cheeses, cumin may be added. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Noord-Hollandse Gouda 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 pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product'. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese brings aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Noord-Hollandse Gouda 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 pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' profile, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese fits dishes calling for aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp.
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 Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese made of?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using calf or microbial rennet, no genetically modified organisms used rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product'.