Époisses Cheese vs Soumaintrain Cheese

Époisses Cheese is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Soumaintrain Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Époisses Cheese?

Époisses is a pungent soft-paste cow's milk cheese from the village of Époisses in Burgundy, France. Washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne as it ripens, it has a soft red-orange rind that is edible and a strong smell.

What Is Soumaintrain Cheese?

Soumaintrain is a soft washed-rind cow's milk cheese from Burgundy, made with raw or pasteurized milk. Brine washing every few days builds an orange rind and a very pronounced flavor.

What's the Difference Between Époisses Cheese and Soumaintrain Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Époisses Cheese (raw or pasteurized), Soumaintrain Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Époisses Cheese (Soft, creamy), Soumaintrain Cheese (Soft)
• Rind: Époisses Cheese (Washed-rind), Soumaintrain Cheese (washed)
• Aging: Époisses Cheese (Minimum of 28 days), Soumaintrain Cheese (at least 21 days)
• Taste: Époisses Cheese (Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced), Soumaintrain Cheese (creamy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Époisses Cheese Taste Like Soumaintrain Cheese?

Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced, while Soumaintrain Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Époisses Cheese offers undergrowth, contrasted with Soumaintrain Cheese's rich. More specifically, Époisses Cheese shows penetrating odor, undergrowth aromas, soft and melting, slightly crumbly center if not long matured, creamy sensation on the palette, while Soumaintrain Cheese leans toward characteristic and very pronounced. Aging plays into this as well. Époisses Cheese at minimum of 28 days develops a different profile than Soumaintrain Cheese at at least 21 days.

Can You Substitute Époisses Cheese for Soumaintrain Cheese?

In most recipes, Époisses Cheese and Soumaintrain Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced while Soumaintrain Cheese brings creamy notes.

Which Is Better, Époisses Cheese or Soumaintrain Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Époisses Cheese. For a soft profile, Soumaintrain Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Époisses Cheese suits recipes that want subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced notes, while Soumaintrain Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Époisses Cheese the same as Soumaintrain Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Époisses Cheese is typically aged minimum of 28 days, Soumaintrain Cheese at least 21 days.

Is Époisses Cheese similar to Soumaintrain Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Époisses Cheese for Soumaintrain Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Époisses Cheese taste like Soumaintrain Cheese?

Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced, while Soumaintrain Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Époisses Cheese leans undergrowth, and Soumaintrain Cheese is closer to rich.

What is Époisses Cheese made of?

Époisses Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 28 days. It originates in France.

What is Soumaintrain Cheese made of?

Soumaintrain Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 21 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Époisses Cheese or Soumaintrain Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Époisses Cheese is soft, creamy, while Soumaintrain Cheese is soft.