Fleur du Maquis Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese

Fleur du Maquis Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan sheep-milk cheese from France, while Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy and made from sheep 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 Roquefort Cheese?

Roquefort is a blue cheese made from raw Lacaune sheep's milk in southern France. Only cheese ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon may carry the name. It is tangy and creamy, with no rind and a sharp bite from the blue veins.

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

• Milk treatment: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (raw), Roquefort Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Roquefort Cheese (Moist, very creamy)
• Rind: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (natural, coated in maquis herbs), Roquefort Cheese (none)
• Aging: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (1 to 3 months), Roquefort Cheese (Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months)
• Taste: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (citrusy, mild), Roquefort Cheese (Mild to strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild, while Roquefort Cheese brings mild to strong character. On the nose, Fleur du Maquis Cheese offers herbal, contrasted with Roquefort Cheese's sweet. Aging plays into this as well. Fleur du Maquis Cheese at 1 to 3 months develops a different profile than Roquefort Cheese at minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months.

Can You Substitute Fleur du Maquis Cheese for Roquefort Cheese?

In most recipes, Fleur du Maquis Cheese and Roquefort Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for moist, very creamy. Flavor-wise, Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild while Roquefort Cheese brings mild to strong notes.

Which Is Better, Fleur du Maquis Cheese or Roquefort 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 moist, very creamy profile, Roquefort Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fleur du Maquis Cheese suits recipes that want citrusy, mild notes, while Roquefort Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fleur du Maquis Cheese the same as Roquefort Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Fleur du Maquis Cheese is typically aged 1 to 3 months, Roquefort Cheese minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months.

Is Fleur du Maquis Cheese similar to Roquefort Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Fleur du Maquis Cheese for Roquefort Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Fleur du Maquis Cheese taste like Roquefort Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild, while Roquefort Cheese is mild to strong. Aromas also diverge. Fleur du Maquis Cheese leans herbal, and Roquefort Cheese is closer to sweet.

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 Roquefort Cheese made of?

Roquefort Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months. It originates in France.

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

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