Figue Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese
Figue Cheese is a soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from France, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft 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 Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or is a seasonal soft cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of France and Switzerland, wrapped in a band of spruce that gives it its flavor. It sells from September 10 to May 10 and is usually warmed in its spruce box and eaten like fondue.
What's the Difference Between Figue Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?
- Milk type: Figue Cheese (goat's milk), Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Figue Cheese (unpasteurized), Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Figue Cheese (soft, artisan), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Figue Cheese (natural), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
- Taste: Figue Cheese (full-flavored, sour), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Figue Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Provence | Jura Mountains, Doubs |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Soft |
| Rind | Natural | Washed rind |
| Aging | — | 21 to 60 days |
| Taste | Full-flavored, sour | Resinous, mild to pungent |
Taste Comparison: Does Figue Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character.
Can You Substitute Figue Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
Figue Cheese can stand in for Mont d'Or 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 soft. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.
Which Is Better, Figue Cheese or Mont d'Or 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 soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese suits recipes that want full-flavored, sour notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Figue Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Figue Cheese is made from goat milk; Mont d'Or Cheese uses cow.
Is Figue Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Figue Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Figue Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.
What is Figue Cheese made of?
Figue Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
What is Mont d'Or Cheese made of?
Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Figue Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Figue Cheese is soft, artisan, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.