Charolais Cheese vs Farmstead Cheese
Charolais Cheese is a semi-soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Farmstead Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese.
What Is Charolais Cheese?
Charolais is a raw goat's milk cheese from the Charolais and Brionnais hills of Burgundy, France. It is one of the largest goat cheeses, sold as a tall barrel-shaped round of 250 to 310 grams, and has carried PDO status since 2014.
What Is Farmstead Cheese?
Farmstead cheese, called farmhouse cheese in Europe, is made on the same farm that produced the milk. No outside milk is allowed, so each one tastes like the herd and land behind it.
What's the Difference Between Charolais Cheese and Farmstead Cheese?
- Milk type: Charolais Cheese (goat's milk), Farmstead Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Charolais Cheese | Farmstead Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Region Around Charolles, Burgundy | Europe And North America |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semi-soft | — |
| Rind | Bloomy, slightly wrinkled | — |
| Aging | Minimum of 16 days | — |
| Taste | Acidic, salty, sweet | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Charolais Cheese Taste Like Farmstead Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Charolais Cheese for Farmstead Cheese?
Charolais Cheese can stand in for Farmstead Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Charolais Cheese or Farmstead Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charolais Cheese the same as Farmstead Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Charolais Cheese is made from goat milk; Farmstead Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo.
Is Charolais Cheese similar to Farmstead Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Charolais Cheese for Farmstead Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Charolais Cheese taste like Farmstead Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Charolais Cheese made of?
Charolais Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 16 days. It originates in France.
What is Farmstead Cheese made of?
Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
Which should I choose, Charolais Cheese or Farmstead Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.