Crottin de Chavignol Cheese vs Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is a firm, smooth goat-milk cheese from France, while Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is a goat-milk cheese.
What Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol is a small cylindrical goat cheese from the Loire Valley and the claim to fame of the village of Chavignol. It tastes subtle and slightly nutty, and it is sold at three stages of ripening, from a white rind and compact paste to a crumbly one with bluish mould.
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's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol Cheese and Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (unpasteurized), Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Raw)
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Natural, white or blue), Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds)
- Aging: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (At least 10 days), Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Minimum maturing period of 10 days)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol Cheese | Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Sancerre Region | — |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Firm, smooth | — |
| Rind | Natural, white or blue | Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds |
| Aging | At least 10 days | Minimum maturing period of 10 days |
| Taste | Light goat to walnut and hazelnut | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese at at least 10 days develops a different profile than Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese at minimum maturing period of 10 days.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
In most recipes, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese and Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese or Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol 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 Cheese the same as Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is typically aged at least 10 days, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese minimum maturing period of 10 days.
Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese similar to Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a goat-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese taste like Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese made of?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 10 days. It originates in France.
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.
Which should I choose, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese or Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.