Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese vs Formaggio di capra Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, while Formaggio di capra Cheese is soft when fresh, dry and brittle when well aged and made from goat milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol, also known simply as Chavignol, is a cheese made from raw whole goat's milk. It originates from France and is protected under the designation of origin (PDO). The cheese is shaped like a flat cylinder and has a thin rind that can be ivory-colored with or without white or blue molds. The cheese is known for its lactic coagulation process with a small amount of rennet added. It has a fat content of at least 45% of the dry matter and a total dry matter content between 37g and 48g per cheese. The cheese is matured for at least 10 days, and a special version called "repassé" is matured in a confined atmosphere to develop a blue Penicillium mold.
What Is Formaggio di capra Cheese?
Formaggio di capra is a cheese made by transforming goat's milk. It is sold fresh or ripened, sometimes rolled in ash, and it carries the tangy, goaty taste that comes from the fatty acids in goat milk.
What's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Formaggio di capra Cheese?
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds), Formaggio di capra Cheese (sometimes ash-coated)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | Formaggio di capra Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | — | Soft when fresh, dry and brittle when well aged |
| Rind | Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds | Sometimes ash-coated |
| Aging | Minimum maturing period of 10 days | — |
| Taste | — | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Formaggio di capra Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Formaggio di capra Cheese?
In most recipes, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Formaggio di capra Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Formaggio di capra 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 Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese the same as Formaggio di capra Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese similar to Formaggio di capra Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a goat-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Formaggio di capra Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese taste like Formaggio di capra Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese made of?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (raw), using small quantity added rennet. It's typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days.
What is Formaggio di capra Cheese made of?
Formaggio di capra Cheese is made from goat milk (raw), using animal rennet. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Formaggio di capra Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.