Fleur du Maquis Cheese vs Mimolette Cheese

Fleur du Maquis Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan sheep-milk cheese from France, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body 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 Mimolette Cheese?

Mimolette is a hard, bright orange cow's milk cheese made around Lille in northern France. It is sold at several ages, from young wheels that taste like Parmesan to extra-old ones with a hazelnut flavor and a grey, mite-worked rind.

What's the Difference Between Fleur du Maquis Cheese and Mimolette Cheese?

• Milk type: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (sheep's milk), Mimolette Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (raw), Mimolette Cheese (Pasteurized)
• Texture: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Mimolette Cheese (Smooth, creamy body)
• Rind: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (natural, coated in maquis herbs), Mimolette Cheese (Natural)
• Aging: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (1 to 3 months), Mimolette Cheese (6 weeks to 24 months)
• Taste: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (citrusy, mild), Mimolette Cheese (Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild, while Mimolette Cheese brings sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel character. On the nose, Fleur du Maquis Cheese offers herbal, contrasted with Mimolette Cheese's butterscotch. Aging plays into this as well. Fleur du Maquis Cheese at 1 to 3 months develops a different profile than Mimolette Cheese at 6 weeks to 24 months.

Can You Substitute Fleur du Maquis Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese can stand in for Mimolette 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 smooth, creamy body. Flavor-wise, Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild while Mimolette Cheese brings sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel notes.

Which Is Better, Fleur du Maquis Cheese or Mimolette 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 smooth, creamy body profile, Mimolette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fleur du Maquis Cheese suits recipes that want citrusy, mild notes, while Mimolette Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fleur du Maquis Cheese the same as Mimolette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fleur du Maquis Cheese is made from sheep milk; Mimolette Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Fleur du Maquis Cheese is typically aged 1 to 3 months, Mimolette Cheese 6 weeks to 24 months.

Is Fleur du Maquis Cheese similar to Mimolette Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Fleur du Maquis Cheese for Mimolette Cheese?

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

Does Fleur du Maquis Cheese taste like Mimolette Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild, while Mimolette Cheese is sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel. Aromas also diverge. Fleur du Maquis Cheese leans herbal, and Mimolette Cheese is closer to butterscotch.

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 Mimolette Cheese made of?

Mimolette Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 weeks to 24 months. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Fleur du Maquis Cheese or Mimolette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fleur du Maquis Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body.