Figue Cheese vs Gouda Cheese

Figue Cheese is a soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from France, while Gouda Cheese is solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.

What Is Figue Cheese?

Figue is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in the Provence region of France. It has a creamy white color and a natural rind. Known for its full-flavored and sour taste, Figue offers a rich experience for those who enjoy goat's milk cheeses. Its aromatic, milky scent enhances its appeal, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts. The cheese is often shaped like a small fig, which is reflected in its name. Enjoy it on a cheese board or paired with fresh bread and a glass of wine to appreciate its flavorful profile.

What Is Gouda Cheese?

Gouda is a yellow cow's milk cheese from the Netherlands, named after the city of Gouda in South Holland. It runs from young and elastic to old and hard, picking up a caramel sweetness and small crunchy crystals with age.

What's the Difference Between Figue Cheese and Gouda Cheese?

• Origin: Figue Cheese (France), Gouda Cheese (Netherlands)
• Milk type: Figue Cheese (goat's milk), Gouda Cheese (cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Figue Cheese (unpasteurized), Gouda Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
• Texture: Figue Cheese (soft, artisan), Gouda Cheese (solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged)
• Rind: Figue Cheese (natural), Gouda Cheese (Durable)
• Taste: Figue Cheese (full-flavored, sour), Gouda Cheese (Sweet to nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Figue Cheese Taste Like Gouda Cheese?

Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Gouda Cheese brings sweet to nutty character. On the nose, Figue Cheese offers aromatic, milky, contrasted with Gouda Cheese's sour aromatics with a cooked, milky note.

Can You Substitute Figue Cheese for Gouda Cheese?

Figue Cheese can stand in for Gouda Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour while Gouda Cheese brings sweet to nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Figue Cheese or Gouda Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Figue Cheese. For a solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged profile, Gouda Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese suits recipes that want full-flavored, sour notes, while Gouda Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet to nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Figue Cheese the same as Gouda Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Figue Cheese originates in France, while Gouda Cheese comes from Netherlands. Figue Cheese is made from goat milk; Gouda Cheese uses cow.

Is Figue Cheese similar to Gouda Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Figue Cheese for Gouda Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Figue Cheese taste like Gouda Cheese?

Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Gouda Cheese is sweet to nutty. Aromas also diverge. Figue Cheese leans aromatic, milky, and Gouda Cheese is closer to sour aromatics with a cooked, milky note.

What is Figue Cheese made of?

Figue Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.

What is Gouda Cheese made of?

Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged 4 weeks to 21 months. It originates in Netherlands.

Which should I choose, Figue Cheese or Gouda Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Figue Cheese is soft, artisan, while Gouda Cheese is solid and springy; smooth when young, firm and crumbly when aged.