Camembert Cheese vs Roumy Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Roumy Cheese is hard and made from cow and buffalo milk, originating in Egypt.
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 Roumy Cheese?
Rumi, also spelled Roumy, is the main hard cheese of Egypt, made from cow's or buffalo milk with no starter culture. Three to four months of aging give it an open texture, a pungent smell and a sharp flavor that gets saltier with age.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Roumy Cheese?
- Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Roumy Cheese (Egypt)
- Milk type: Camembert Cheese (cow's milk), Roumy Cheese (cow's and water buffalo's milk)
- Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Roumy Cheese (hard)
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Roumy Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Roumy Cheese (3 to 4 months)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Roumy Cheese (salty, sharp, strong)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Roumy Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Egypt |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | Egypt |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's and water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | — |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Hard |
| Rind | Bloomy | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | 3 to 4 months |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Salty, sharp, strong |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Roumy Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Roumy Cheese brings salty, sharp, strong character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Roumy Cheese's pungent. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Roumy Cheese at 3 to 4 months.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Roumy Cheese?
Camembert Cheese can stand in for Roumy 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 hard. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Roumy Cheese brings salty, sharp, strong notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Roumy 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 hard profile, Roumy Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Roumy Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, sharp, strong.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Roumy Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Roumy Cheese comes from Egypt. Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk; Roumy Cheese uses cow and buffalo. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Roumy Cheese 3 to 4 months.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Roumy Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Roumy Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Roumy Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Roumy Cheese is salty, sharp, strong. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Roumy Cheese is closer to pungent.
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 Roumy Cheese made of?
Roumy Cheese is made from cow and buffalo milk. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in Egypt.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Roumy Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Roumy Cheese is hard.