Époisses Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)

Époisses Cheese is a soft, creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is semi-soft, washed-rind and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.

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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.

What's the Difference Between Époisses Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

• Origin: Époisses Cheese (France), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
• Texture: Époisses Cheese (Soft, creamy), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Semi-soft, washed-rind)
• Rind: Époisses Cheese (Washed-rind), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (washed)
• Taste: Époisses Cheese (Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Époisses Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character. On the nose, Époisses Cheese offers undergrowth, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)'s earthy, strong.

Can You Substitute Époisses Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

In most recipes, Époisses Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) 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 semi-soft, washed-rind. Flavor-wise, Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Époisses Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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 semi-soft, washed-rind profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Époisses Cheese suits recipes that want subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced notes, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Époisses Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Époisses Cheese originates in France, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia.

Is Époisses Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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

Can I substitute Époisses Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

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

Does Époisses Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Époisses Cheese reads as subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Époisses Cheese leans undergrowth, and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is closer to earthy, strong.

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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?

Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.

Which should I choose, Époisses Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Époisses Cheese is soft, creamy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is semi-soft, washed-rind.