Camembert Cheese vs Frinault Cheese

Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Frinault Cheese is soft, soft-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Camembert Cheese?

Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.

What Is Frinault Cheese?

Frinault is a soft cheese from the countryside around Orléans in France, made with pasteurized whole cow's milk at 50% fat. It comes as a small 120 g disc in three versions: plain, ash-ripened Frinault cendré, and the longer-aged Frinault sec.

What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Frinault Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Frinault Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Frinault Cheese (soft, soft-ripened)
• Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Frinault Cheese (natural)
• Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Frinault Cheese (about 2 weeks)
• Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Frinault Cheese (spicy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Frinault Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Frinault Cheese brings spicy character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Frinault Cheese's fermented. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Frinault Cheese leans toward fruity and more perfumed in the cendré version, close to olivet cendré. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Frinault Cheese at about 2 weeks.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Frinault Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Frinault Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, soft-ripened. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Frinault Cheese brings spicy notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Frinault 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 Camembert Cheese. For a soft, soft-ripened profile, Frinault Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Frinault Cheese fits dishes calling for spicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert Cheese the same as Frinault Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Frinault Cheese about 2 weeks.

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Frinault Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Frinault Cheese?

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

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Frinault Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Frinault Cheese is spicy. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Frinault Cheese is closer to fermented.

What is Camembert Cheese made of?

Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. It originates in France.

What is Frinault Cheese made of?

Frinault Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged about 2 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Frinault Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Frinault Cheese is soft, soft-ripened.