Figue Cheese vs Maroilles Cheese

Figue Cheese is a soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from France, while Maroilles Cheese is semisoft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

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 Maroilles Cheese?

Maroilles is a cow's milk cheese from northern France, sold in rectangular blocks with a moist orange-red washed rind. It is known for its strong smell and takes its name from the village of Maroilles, where it has been made since the 10th century.

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

• Milk type: Figue Cheese (goat's milk), Maroilles Cheese (cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Figue Cheese (unpasteurized), Maroilles Cheese (pasteurized and unpasteurized)
• Texture: Figue Cheese (soft, artisan), Maroilles Cheese (Semisoft)
• Rind: Figue Cheese (natural), Maroilles Cheese (Reddish-orange color)
• Taste: Figue Cheese (full-flavored, sour), Maroilles Cheese (Creamy taste, powerful aroma)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Figue Cheese Taste Like Maroilles Cheese?

Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Maroilles Cheese brings creamy taste, powerful aroma character. On the nose, Figue Cheese offers aromatic, milky, contrasted with Maroilles Cheese's cellars, wet brick, undergrowth.

Can You Substitute Figue Cheese for Maroilles Cheese?

Figue Cheese can stand in for Maroilles 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 semisoft. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour while Maroilles Cheese brings creamy taste, powerful aroma notes.

Which Is Better, Figue Cheese or Maroilles 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 semisoft profile, Maroilles Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese suits recipes that want full-flavored, sour notes, while Maroilles Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy taste, powerful aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Figue Cheese the same as Maroilles Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Figue Cheese is made from goat milk; Maroilles Cheese uses cow.

Is Figue Cheese similar to Maroilles Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Figue Cheese for Maroilles Cheese?

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

Does Figue Cheese taste like Maroilles Cheese?

Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Maroilles Cheese is creamy taste, powerful aroma. Aromas also diverge. Figue Cheese leans aromatic, milky, and Maroilles Cheese is closer to cellars, wet brick, undergrowth.

What is Figue Cheese made of?

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

What is Maroilles Cheese made of?

Maroilles Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized and unpasteurized), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 5 weeks for 25-oz size. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Figue Cheese or Maroilles Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Figue Cheese is soft, artisan, while Maroilles Cheese is semisoft.