Camembert Cheese vs Quatre-Vents Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Quatre-Vents Cheese is soft, artisan 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 Quatre-Vents Cheese?
Quatre-Vents is a French goat's milk cheese made from unpasteurized milk. It has a soft, artisan texture and a natural rind. The cheese is white in color and offers a sweet flavor profile. Its aroma is fresh with a noticeable goaty scent. With a fat content of 45%, Quatre-Vents is rich and creamy. It is a delightful choice for those who enjoy the characteristic flavors of goat cheese. Perfect for a cheese board, it pairs well with fresh fruits and crusty bread.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Quatre-Vents Cheese?
- Milk type: Camembert Cheese (cow's milk), Quatre-Vents Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Quatre-Vents Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Quatre-Vents Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Quatre-Vents Cheese (sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Quatre-Vents Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Bloomy | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | — |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Quatre-Vents Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Quatre-Vents Cheese brings sweet character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Quatre-Vents Cheese's fresh, goaty.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Quatre-Vents Cheese?
Camembert Cheese can stand in for Quatre-Vents Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Quatre-Vents Cheese brings sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Quatre-Vents Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Quatre-Vents Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Quatre-Vents Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk; Quatre-Vents Cheese uses goat.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Quatre-Vents Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Quatre-Vents Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Quatre-Vents Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Quatre-Vents Cheese is sweet. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Quatre-Vents Cheese is closer to fresh, goaty.
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 Quatre-Vents Cheese made of?
Quatre-Vents Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Quatre-Vents Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.