Crottin de Chavignol Cheese vs Mimolette Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese
Mimolette Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is a firm, smooth goat-milk cheese from France, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol is a small goat cheese from the Loire Valley of France. It has a strong, slightly goaty flavor that becomes nuttier and more intense as it ages and the exterior develops from soft and smooth to a dry, crumbly texture with a moldy rind.
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 Cheese and Mimolette Cheese?
- Milk type: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (goat's milk), Mimolette Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (unpasteurized), Mimolette Cheese (Pasteurized)
- Texture: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Firm, smooth), Mimolette Cheese (Smooth, creamy body)
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Natural, white or blue), Mimolette Cheese (Natural)
- Aging: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (At least 10 days), Mimolette Cheese (6 weeks to 24 months)
- Taste: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Light goat to walnut and hazelnut), Mimolette Cheese (Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol Cheese | Mimolette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Sancerre Region | Flanders Area Of Pas-De-Calais |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Firm, smooth | Smooth, creamy body |
| Rind | Natural, white or blue | Natural |
| Aging | At least 10 days | 6 weeks to 24 months |
| Taste | Light goat to walnut and hazelnut | Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel |
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Where to buy Crottin de Chavignol Cheese and Mimolette Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese
Mimolette Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Mimolette Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut, while Mimolette Cheese brings sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel character. On the nose, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese offers light goat to mushroom and forest undergrowth, contrasted with Mimolette Cheese's butterscotch. More specifically, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese shows light goat flavor, floral, balanced, ages to mushroom, forest undergrowth, matures to nutty flavors, repassé: strong, creamy, while Mimolette Cheese leans toward mature: dense, waxy, hints of butterscotch; young: mild. Aging plays into this as well. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese at at least 10 days develops a different profile than Mimolette Cheese at 6 weeks to 24 months.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese can stand in for Mimolette Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect firm, smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for smooth, creamy body. Flavor-wise, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut while Mimolette Cheese brings sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel notes.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm, smooth cheese, go with Crottin de Chavignol Cheese. For a smooth, creamy body profile, Mimolette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese suits recipes that want light goat to walnut and hazelnut notes, while Mimolette Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese the same as Mimolette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk; Mimolette Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is typically aged at least 10 days, Mimolette Cheese 6 weeks to 24 months.
Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese similar to Mimolette Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese taste like Mimolette Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut, while Mimolette Cheese is sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel. Aromas also diverge. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese leans light goat to mushroom and forest undergrowth, and Mimolette Cheese is closer to butterscotch.
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 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 Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is firm, smooth, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body.
See full profiles: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese and Mimolette Cheese.