Chaumes Cheese vs Fromage Frais Cheese

Chaumes Cheese is a soft, creamy, soft-ripened, washed-rind cow-milk cheese from France, while Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh, originating in France.

What Is Chaumes Cheese?

Chaumes is a cow's milk cheese from Saint-Antoine-de-Breuilh in the Périgord, south west France, built on traditional Trappist-style cheesemaking. It is known for its bright tangerine-orange washed rind, full-bodied flavour and smooth, faintly rubbery texture.

What Is Fromage Frais Cheese?

Fromage frais is an acid-coagulated fresh cheese from northern France and southern Belgium, sold with its live cultures still active. It looks and eats much like yogurt, and turns up in desserts, on bread under jam, and in savoury cooking.

What's the Difference Between Chaumes Cheese and Fromage Frais Cheese?

• Texture: Chaumes Cheese (Soft, creamy, soft-ripened, washed-rind), Fromage Frais Cheese (Fresh)
• Taste: Chaumes Cheese (full-flavored, nutty), Fromage Frais Cheese (milky, smooth)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Chaumes Cheese Taste Like Fromage Frais Cheese?

Chaumes Cheese reads as full-flavored, nutty, while Fromage Frais Cheese brings milky, smooth character. On the nose, Chaumes Cheese offers aromatic, strong, contrasted with Fromage Frais Cheese's mild.

Can You Substitute Chaumes Cheese for Fromage Frais Cheese?

Chaumes Cheese can stand in for Fromage Frais Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, creamy, soft-ripened, washed-rind bite and body where the recipe calls for fresh. Flavor-wise, Chaumes Cheese reads as full-flavored, nutty while Fromage Frais Cheese brings milky, smooth notes.

Which Is Better, Chaumes Cheese or Fromage Frais Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy, soft-ripened, washed-rind cheese, go with Chaumes Cheese. For a fresh profile, Fromage Frais Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Chaumes Cheese suits recipes that want full-flavored, nutty notes, while Fromage Frais Cheese fits dishes calling for milky, smooth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chaumes Cheese the same as Fromage Frais Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Chaumes Cheese similar to Fromage Frais Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Chaumes Cheese for Fromage Frais Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Chaumes Cheese taste like Fromage Frais Cheese?

Chaumes Cheese reads as full-flavored, nutty, while Fromage Frais Cheese is milky, smooth. Aromas also diverge. Chaumes Cheese leans aromatic, strong, and Fromage Frais Cheese is closer to mild.

What is Chaumes Cheese made of?

Chaumes Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 weeks. It originates in France.

What is Fromage Frais Cheese made of?

Fromage Frais Cheese is made from milk. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Chaumes Cheese or Fromage Frais Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chaumes Cheese is soft, creamy, soft-ripened, washed-rind, while Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh.