Chevrotin Cheese vs Geitost Cheese

Chevrotin Cheese is a soft, unctuous goat-milk cheese from France, while Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey and made from cow and goat milk, originating in Norway.

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 Is Geitost Cheese?

Geitost is the Norwegian brown whey cheese made with goat's milk in the mix. Boiling milk, cream and whey caramelizes the milk sugars, which gives it a deep brown color and a sweet, caramel taste with a tang behind it.

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

• Origin: Chevrotin Cheese (France), Geitost Cheese (Norway)
• Milk type: Chevrotin Cheese (Goat's Milk), Geitost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk)
• Texture: Chevrotin Cheese (Soft, unctuous), Geitost Cheese (semi-hard, whey)
• Rind: Chevrotin Cheese (Washed-rind), Geitost Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Chevrotin Cheese (21+ days), Geitost Cheese (not aged)
• Taste: Chevrotin Cheese (Mild, Caprine), Geitost Cheese (burnt caramel, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Chevrotin Cheese Taste Like Geitost Cheese?

Chevrotin Cheese reads as mild, caprine, while Geitost Cheese brings burnt caramel, sweet character. On the nose, Chevrotin Cheese offers gentle caprine, woody, farmyard, contrasted with Geitost Cheese's caramel. More specifically, Chevrotin Cheese shows gentle goatiness, balance of salt, vegetal notes, alpine flowers, pinkish exterior, fine white mold, ivory paste, while Geitost Cheese leans toward sweet and caramel-like, with a tang that is sharper in the goat's milk versions. Aging plays into this as well. Chevrotin Cheese at 21+ days develops a different profile than Geitost Cheese at not aged.

Can You Substitute Chevrotin Cheese for Geitost Cheese?

Chevrotin Cheese can stand in for Geitost Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, unctuous bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, whey. Flavor-wise, Chevrotin Cheese reads as mild, caprine while Geitost Cheese brings burnt caramel, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Chevrotin Cheese or Geitost Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, unctuous cheese, go with Chevrotin Cheese. For a semi-hard, whey profile, Geitost Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Chevrotin Cheese suits recipes that want mild, caprine notes, while Geitost Cheese fits dishes calling for burnt caramel, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chevrotin Cheese the same as Geitost Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Chevrotin Cheese originates in France, while Geitost Cheese comes from Norway. Chevrotin Cheese is made from goat milk; Geitost Cheese uses cow and goat. Aging also differs: Chevrotin Cheese is typically aged 21+ days, Geitost Cheese not aged.

Is Chevrotin Cheese similar to Geitost Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Chevrotin Cheese for Geitost Cheese?

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

Does Chevrotin Cheese taste like Geitost Cheese?

Chevrotin Cheese reads as mild, caprine, while Geitost Cheese is burnt caramel, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Chevrotin Cheese leans gentle caprine, woody, farmyard, and Geitost Cheese is closer to caramel.

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.

What is Geitost Cheese made of?

Geitost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk. It's typically aged not aged. It originates in Norway.

Which should I choose, Chevrotin Cheese or Geitost Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chevrotin Cheese is soft, unctuous, while Geitost Cheese is semi-hard, whey.