Camembert Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese
Camembert Cheese
Scamorza Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 Scamorza Cheese?
Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?
- Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Scamorza Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Scamorza Cheese (natural)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Scamorza Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | — |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Bloomy | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | — |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Scamorza 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 semi-soft.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Scamorza 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 semi-soft profile, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Scamorza Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Scamorza 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 Scamorza Cheese made of?
Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft.