Chabichou du Poitou Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese
Chabichou du Poitou Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese
Chabichou du Poitou Cheese is a soft, creamy to brittle goat-milk cheese from France, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Chabichou du Poitou Cheese?
Chabichou du Poitou is a goat's milk cheese from the Poitou-Charentes region of France. This small, cylindrical cheese has a smooth, dense texture and a bright, clear flavor with hints of nuts and a slight tanginess. It is aged for a minimum of two weeks, developing a firm outer rind that contrasts nicely with the creamy interior.
What Is Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or, or Vacherin Mont d'Or, is a seasonal, soft cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. Available from September to May, it has a delicate, creamy texture and a rich, earthy flavor. Mont d'Or is traditionally eaten warmed in the box it comes in, making the interior deliciously runny.
What's the Difference Between Chabichou du Poitou Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?
- Milk type: Chabichou du Poitou Cheese (goat's milk), Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Chabichou du Poitou Cheese (unpasteurized or whole), Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Chabichou du Poitou Cheese (Soft, creamy to brittle), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Chabichou du Poitou Cheese (White with blue-gray patches), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
- Aging: Chabichou du Poitou Cheese (At least 10 days), Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days)
- Taste: Chabichou du Poitou Cheese (Slightly salty), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Chabichou du Poitou Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Haut Poitou | Jura Mountains, Doubs |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized or whole | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, creamy to brittle | Soft |
| Rind | White with blue-gray patches | Washed rind |
| Aging | At least 10 days | 21 to 60 days |
| Taste | Slightly salty | Resinous, mild to pungent |
Taste Comparison: Does Chabichou du Poitou Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Chabichou du Poitou Cheese reads as slightly salty, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character. More specifically, Chabichou du Poitou Cheese shows white rind, occasional blue-gray patches, embodies poitevin terroir's taste, creamy to strong flavor with aging, while Mont d'Or Cheese leans toward known for its creamy taste and powerful aroma; gets resinous flavor from spruce bark. Aging plays into this as well. Chabichou du Poitou Cheese at at least 10 days develops a different profile than Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days.
Can You Substitute Chabichou du Poitou Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
Chabichou du Poitou Cheese can stand in for Mont d'Or Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, creamy to brittle bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Chabichou du Poitou Cheese reads as slightly salty while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.
Which Is Better, Chabichou du Poitou Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy to brittle cheese, go with Chabichou du Poitou Cheese. For a soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Chabichou du Poitou Cheese suits recipes that want slightly salty notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chabichou du Poitou Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Chabichou du Poitou Cheese is made from goat milk; Mont d'Or Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Chabichou du Poitou Cheese is typically aged at least 10 days, Mont d'Or Cheese 21 to 60 days.
Is Chabichou du Poitou Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Chabichou du Poitou Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Chabichou du Poitou Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Chabichou du Poitou Cheese reads as slightly salty, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.
What is Chabichou du Poitou Cheese made of?
Chabichou du Poitou Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized or whole). It's typically aged at least 10 days. It originates in France.
What is Mont d'Or Cheese made of?
Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Chabichou du Poitou Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chabichou du Poitou Cheese is soft, creamy to brittle, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.