Farmstead Cheese vs Saint-Nectaire Cheese
Farmstead Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is soft and tender and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Farmstead Cheese?
Farmstead cheese, called farmhouse cheese in Europe, is made on the same farm that produced the milk. No outside milk is allowed, so each one tastes like the herd and land behind it.
What Is Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Saint-Nectaire is a pressed cow's milk cheese from the volcanic hills around the Monts-Dore in Auvergne, France. It ages on rye straw for at least 28 days and is known for its soft, creamy paste and hint of hazelnut.
What's the Difference Between Farmstead Cheese and Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
- Milk type: Farmstead Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Cow’s milk (Holstein, Montbéliarde, sometimes Salers))
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Farmstead Cheese | Saint-Nectaire Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | Europe And North America | Massif Du Sancy, Auvergne |
| Milk Type | Cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo | Cow’s milk (Holstein, Montbéliarde, sometimes Salers) |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier |
| Texture | — | Soft and tender |
| Rind | — | Washed-rind |
| Aging | — | At least twenty-eight days |
| Taste | — | Delicate hazelnut |
Taste Comparison: Does Farmstead Cheese Taste Like Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Farmstead Cheese for Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Farmstead Cheese can stand in for Saint-Nectaire Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Farmstead Cheese or Saint-Nectaire 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 Farmstead Cheese the same as Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Saint-Nectaire Cheese uses cow.
Is Farmstead Cheese similar to Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Farmstead Cheese for Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Farmstead Cheese taste like Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Farmstead Cheese made of?
Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
What is Saint-Nectaire Cheese made of?
Saint-Nectaire Cheese is made from cow milk (raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier). It's typically aged at least twenty-eight days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Farmstead Cheese or Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.