Camembert Cheese vs Chevrotin Cheese

Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Chevrotin Cheese is soft, unctuous and made from goat 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 Chevrotin Cheese?

Chevrotin is a soft goat milk cheese from Savoy in France, made with unpasteurised milk and ripened at least three weeks on pine shelves. It holds an AOC and is known for a full flavor with a sourness that recalls wild mountain herbs.

What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Chevrotin Cheese?

• Milk type: Camembert Cheese (cow's milk), Chevrotin Cheese (Goat's Milk)
• Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Chevrotin Cheese (Unpasteurized)
• Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Chevrotin Cheese (Soft, unctuous)
• Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Chevrotin Cheese (Washed-rind)
• Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Chevrotin Cheese (21+ days)
• Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Chevrotin Cheese (Mild, Caprine)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Chevrotin Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Chevrotin Cheese brings mild, caprine character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Chevrotin Cheese's gentle caprine, woody, farmyard. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Chevrotin Cheese leans toward gentle goatiness, balance of salt, vegetal notes, alpine flowers, pinkish exterior, fine white mold, ivory paste. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Chevrotin Cheese at 21+ days.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Chevrotin Cheese?

Camembert Cheese can stand in for Chevrotin Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, unctuous. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Chevrotin Cheese brings mild, caprine notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Chevrotin 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 soft, unctuous profile, Chevrotin Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Chevrotin Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, caprine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert Cheese the same as Chevrotin Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk; Chevrotin Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Chevrotin Cheese 21+ days.

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Chevrotin Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Chevrotin Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Chevrotin Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Chevrotin Cheese is mild, caprine. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Chevrotin Cheese is closer to gentle caprine, woody, farmyard.

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 Chevrotin Cheese made of?

Chevrotin Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized), using rennet rennet. It's typically aged 21+ days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Chevrotin Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Chevrotin Cheese is soft, unctuous.