Camembert Cheese vs Cendre d'Olivet Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Cendre d'Olivet Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow 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 Cendre d'Olivet Cheese?
Cendre d'Olivet is a soft, artisan cheese from the Centre-Val de Loire region of France, made from cow's milk. It has a fat content of 45%, giving it a rich, smooth texture. The cheese is ivory in color and features a natural rind. It has a mild, smooth flavor, complemented by an earthy, pungent aroma. The cheese is traditionally coated in ash, which contributes to its unique appearance and subtle earthy notes. Often enjoyed with a crusty baguette, it pairs well with light wines that enhance its mild taste.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Cendre d'Olivet Cheese?
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Cendre d'Olivet Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Cendre d'Olivet Cheese (mild, smooth)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Cendre d'Olivet Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | Centre-Val De Loire |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | — |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Bloomy | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | — |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Mild, smooth |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Cendre d'Olivet Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Cendre d'Olivet Cheese brings mild, smooth character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Cendre d'Olivet Cheese's earthy, pungent.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Cendre d'Olivet Cheese?
In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Cendre d'Olivet Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Cendre d'Olivet Cheese brings mild, smooth notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Cendre d'Olivet 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 Cendre d'Olivet Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, smooth.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Cendre d'Olivet Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Cendre d'Olivet Cheese?
Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Cendre d'Olivet Cheese?
Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Cendre d'Olivet Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Cendre d'Olivet Cheese is mild, smooth. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Cendre d'Olivet Cheese is closer to earthy, 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 Cendre d'Olivet Cheese made of?
Cendre d'Olivet Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Cendre d'Olivet Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.