Fleur du Maquis Cheese vs Maroilles Cheese

Fleur du Maquis Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan sheep-milk cheese from France, while Maroilles Cheese is semisoft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis, also sold as Brin d'amour, is a Corsican raw sheep's milk cheese created in the 1950s. Its natural rind is dusted with maquis herbs, which the paste absorbs as it ages.

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 Fleur du Maquis Cheese and Maroilles Cheese?

• Milk type: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (sheep's milk), Maroilles Cheese (cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (raw), Maroilles Cheese (pasteurized and unpasteurized)
• Texture: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Maroilles Cheese (Semisoft)
• Rind: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (natural, coated in maquis herbs), Maroilles Cheese (Reddish-orange color)
• Aging: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (1 to 3 months), Maroilles Cheese (5 weeks for 25-oz size)
• Taste: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (citrusy, mild), Maroilles Cheese (Creamy taste, powerful aroma)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Fleur du Maquis Cheese Taste Like Maroilles Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild, while Maroilles Cheese brings creamy taste, powerful aroma character. On the nose, Fleur du Maquis Cheese offers herbal, contrasted with Maroilles Cheese's cellars, wet brick, undergrowth. Aging plays into this as well. Fleur du Maquis Cheese at 1 to 3 months develops a different profile than Maroilles Cheese at 5 weeks for 25-oz size.

Can You Substitute Fleur du Maquis Cheese for Maroilles Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese can stand in for Maroilles Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft. Flavor-wise, Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild while Maroilles Cheese brings creamy taste, powerful aroma notes.

Which Is Better, Fleur du Maquis Cheese or Maroilles Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Fleur du Maquis Cheese. For a semisoft profile, Maroilles Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fleur du Maquis Cheese suits recipes that want citrusy, mild notes, while Maroilles Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy taste, powerful aroma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fleur du Maquis Cheese the same as Maroilles Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fleur du Maquis Cheese is made from sheep milk; Maroilles Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Fleur du Maquis Cheese is typically aged 1 to 3 months, Maroilles Cheese 5 weeks for 25-oz size.

Is Fleur du Maquis Cheese similar to Maroilles Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fleur du Maquis Cheese for Maroilles Cheese?

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

Does Fleur du Maquis Cheese taste like Maroilles Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild, while Maroilles Cheese is creamy taste, powerful aroma. Aromas also diverge. Fleur du Maquis Cheese leans herbal, and Maroilles Cheese is closer to cellars, wet brick, undergrowth.

What is Fleur du Maquis Cheese made of?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged 1 to 3 months. 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, Fleur du Maquis Cheese or Maroilles Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fleur du Maquis Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Maroilles Cheese is semisoft.