Camembert Cheese vs Pélardon Cheese
Camembert Cheese
Pélardon Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Pélardon Cheese is soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.
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 Pélardon Cheese?
Pélardon is a small round goat's milk cheese from the Cévennes range in France's Languedoc-Roussillon region. It ripens under a white mold rind and has carried AOC status since August 2000.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Pélardon Cheese?
- Milk type: Camembert Cheese (cow's milk), Pélardon Cheese (goat)
- Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Pélardon Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Pélardon Cheese (bloomy, white mold)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Pélardon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | Cévennes Range, Languedoc-Roussillon, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | — |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Soft |
| Rind | Bloomy | Bloomy, white mold |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | — |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Pélardon Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?
Camembert Cheese can stand in for Pélardon Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Pélardon 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 soft profile, Pélardon Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Pélardon Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk; Pélardon Cheese uses goat.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Pélardon Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Pélardon Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Pélardon 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 Pélardon Cheese made of?
Pélardon Cheese is made from goat milk. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Pélardon Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Pélardon Cheese is soft.