Fleur du Maquis Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese
Fleur du Maquis Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan sheep-milk cheese from France, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft 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 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 Fleur du Maquis Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?
- Milk type: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (sheep's milk), Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Texture: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (natural, coated in maquis herbs), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
- Aging: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (1 to 3 months), Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days)
- Taste: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (citrusy, mild), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fleur du Maquis Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Corsica, France | Jura Mountains, Doubs |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-soft, artisan | Soft |
| Rind | Natural, coated in maquis herbs | Washed rind |
| Aging | 1 to 3 months | 21 to 60 days |
| Taste | Citrusy, mild | Resinous, mild to pungent |
Taste Comparison: Does Fleur du Maquis Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character. Aging plays into this as well. Fleur du Maquis Cheese at 1 to 3 months develops a different profile than Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days.
Can You Substitute Fleur du Maquis Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
Fleur du Maquis Cheese can stand in for Mont d'Or 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 soft. Flavor-wise, Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.
Which Is Better, Fleur du Maquis 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 semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Fleur du Maquis Cheese. For a soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fleur du Maquis Cheese suits recipes that want citrusy, mild notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fleur du Maquis Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fleur du Maquis Cheese is made from sheep milk; Mont d'Or Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Fleur du Maquis Cheese is typically aged 1 to 3 months, Mont d'Or Cheese 21 to 60 days.
Is Fleur du Maquis Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fleur du Maquis Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Fleur du Maquis Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.
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 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, Fleur du Maquis Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fleur du Maquis Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.