Camembert Cheese vs Civray Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Civray Cheese is soft, artisan 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 Civray Cheese?
Civray is a soft artisan cheese from France made from unpasteurized goat's milk. It has a pale yellow color and a natural rind. The cheese offers a pleasant aroma and a flavor profile that balances acidic and sweet notes. With a fat content of 45%, Civray has a creamy texture that is characteristic of many goat's milk cheeses. Its soft consistency makes it an excellent choice for spreading on crusty bread or enjoying as part of a cheese platter.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Civray Cheese?
- Milk type: Camembert Cheese (cow's milk), Civray Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Civray Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Civray Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Civray Cheese (acidic, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Civray Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Bloomy | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | — |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Acidic, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Civray Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Civray Cheese brings acidic, sweet character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Civray Cheese's pleasant.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Civray Cheese?
Camembert Cheese can stand in for Civray Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Civray Cheese brings acidic, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Civray Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Civray Cheese fits dishes calling for acidic, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Civray Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk; Civray Cheese uses goat.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Civray Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Civray Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Civray Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Civray Cheese is acidic, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Civray Cheese is closer to pleasant.
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 Civray Cheese made of?
Civray Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Civray Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.