Frinault Cheese vs Maasdam Cheese
Frinault Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Maasdam Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.
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 Is Maasdam Cheese?
Maasdam is a Dutch cheese made in the style of Swiss Emmental, aged at least four weeks and marked by holes that form as it ripens. It tastes nutty and sweet, and it is softer than Emmental because it holds more moisture.
What's the Difference Between Frinault Cheese and Maasdam Cheese?
- Origin: Frinault Cheese (France), Maasdam Cheese (Netherlands)
- Texture: Frinault Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Maasdam Cheese (semi-hard)
- Rind: Frinault Cheese (natural), Maasdam Cheese (smooth, sometimes waxed)
- Aging: Frinault Cheese (about 2 weeks), Maasdam Cheese (at least 4 weeks)
- Taste: Frinault Cheese (spicy), Maasdam Cheese (nutty, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Frinault Cheese | Maasdam Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | Orléans Area, Loiret, Centre-Val De Loire, France | The Netherlands |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Natural | Smooth, sometimes waxed |
| Aging | About 2 weeks | At least 4 weeks |
| Taste | Spicy | Nutty, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Frinault Cheese Taste Like Maasdam Cheese?
Frinault Cheese reads as spicy, while Maasdam Cheese brings nutty, sweet character. Aging plays into this as well. Frinault Cheese at about 2 weeks develops a different profile than Maasdam Cheese at at least 4 weeks.
Can You Substitute Frinault Cheese for Maasdam Cheese?
In most recipes, Frinault Cheese and Maasdam Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, soft-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Frinault Cheese reads as spicy while Maasdam Cheese brings nutty, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Frinault Cheese or Maasdam Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, soft-ripened cheese, go with Frinault Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Maasdam Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Frinault Cheese suits recipes that want spicy notes, while Maasdam Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frinault Cheese the same as Maasdam Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Frinault Cheese originates in France, while Maasdam Cheese comes from Netherlands. Aging also differs: Frinault Cheese is typically aged about 2 weeks, Maasdam Cheese at least 4 weeks.
Is Frinault Cheese similar to Maasdam Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Frinault Cheese for Maasdam Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Frinault Cheese taste like Maasdam Cheese?
Frinault Cheese reads as spicy, while Maasdam Cheese is nutty, sweet.
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.
What is Maasdam Cheese made of?
Maasdam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least 4 weeks. It originates in Netherlands.
Which should I choose, Frinault Cheese or Maasdam Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Frinault Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Maasdam Cheese is semi-hard.