Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese vs Mimolette Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Mimolette Cheese?
Mimolette is a hard cheese from the region of Lille, France, known for its bright orange color and spherical shape. It has a firm texture and a nutty, sweet flavor that deepens as it ages. Older Mimolette is known for its dry and crumbly texture, making it an excellent grating cheese.
What's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Mimolette Cheese?
- Milk type: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Goat's milk), Mimolette Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Raw), Mimolette Cheese (Pasteurized)
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds), Mimolette Cheese (Natural)
- Aging: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Minimum maturing period of 10 days), Mimolette Cheese (6 weeks to 24 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | Mimolette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Flanders Area Of Pas-De-Calais |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Smooth, creamy body |
| Rind | Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum maturing period of 10 days | 6 weeks to 24 months |
| Taste | — | Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Mimolette Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese
Mimolette Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Mimolette Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese at minimum maturing period of 10 days develops a different profile than Mimolette Cheese at 6 weeks to 24 months.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese can stand in for Mimolette Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese the same as Mimolette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk; Mimolette Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days, Mimolette Cheese 6 weeks to 24 months.
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese similar to Mimolette Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese taste like Mimolette 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 Mimolette Cheese made of?
Mimolette Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 weeks to 24 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.
See full profiles: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Mimolette Cheese.