Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese vs Queijo São Jorge
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, while Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Portugal.
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 Queijo São Jorge?
Queijo São Jorge is a semi-hard to hard cow's milk cheese made only on the island of São Jorge in the Azores. It is known for its firm, brittle yellowish paste, small irregular holes, and a strong, slightly spicy flavor that sharpens with age.
What's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Queijo São Jorge?
- Milk type: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Goat's milk), Queijo São Jorge (Cow)
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds), Queijo São Jorge (Natural)
- Aging: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Minimum maturing period of 10 days), Queijo São Jorge (minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | Queijo São Jorge | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Portugal |
| Specific Origin | — | Island Of São Jorge, Azores |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | — | Firm consistency, hard or semi-hard |
| Rind | Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum maturing period of 10 days | Minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions |
| Taste | — | Peppery, grassy |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Queijo São Jorge?
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 Queijo São Jorge at minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese can stand in for Queijo São Jorge in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?
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 Queijo São Jorge?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk; Queijo São Jorge uses cow. Aging also differs: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days, Queijo São Jorge minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions.
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese similar to Queijo São Jorge?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese taste like Queijo São Jorge?
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 Queijo São Jorge made of?
Queijo São Jorge is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions. It originates in Portugal.
Which should I choose, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.