Fromage Frais Cheese vs Pérail Cheese
Fromage Frais Cheese is a fresh soft cheese from France, while Pérail Cheese is soft and made from sheep milk, originating in France.
What Is Fromage Frais Cheese?
Fromage frais is an acid-coagulated fresh cheese from northern France and southern Belgium, sold with its live cultures still active. It looks and eats much like yogurt, and turns up in desserts, on bread under jam, and in savoury cooking.
What Is Pérail Cheese?
Pérail is a soft sheep's milk cheese from Aveyron in southern France, sold in small rounds with an ivory, wrinkly rind. Older wheels taste distinctly sheepy.
What's the Difference Between Fromage Frais Cheese and Pérail Cheese?
- Texture: Fromage Frais Cheese (fresh soft), Pérail Cheese (soft)
- Taste: Fromage Frais Cheese (milky, smooth), Pérail Cheese (distinctly sheepy in older cheeses)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fromage Frais Cheese | Pérail Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Northern France And Southern Belgium | Aveyron, France |
| Milk Type | — | Sheep |
| Texture | Fresh soft | Soft |
| Rind | — | Wrinkly, mainly Geotrichum candidum |
| Aging | — | 2 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | Milky, smooth | Distinctly sheepy in older cheeses |
Taste Comparison: Does Fromage Frais Cheese Taste Like Pérail Cheese?
Fromage Frais Cheese reads as milky, smooth, while Pérail Cheese brings distinctly sheepy in older cheeses character.
Can You Substitute Fromage Frais Cheese for Pérail Cheese?
Fromage Frais Cheese can stand in for Pérail Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect fresh soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Fromage Frais Cheese reads as milky, smooth while Pérail Cheese brings distinctly sheepy in older cheeses notes.
Which Is Better, Fromage Frais Cheese or Pérail Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh soft cheese, go with Fromage Frais Cheese. For a soft profile, Pérail Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fromage Frais Cheese suits recipes that want milky, smooth notes, while Pérail Cheese fits dishes calling for distinctly sheepy in older cheeses.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fromage Frais Cheese the same as Pérail Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Fromage Frais Cheese similar to Pérail Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fromage Frais Cheese for Pérail Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Fromage Frais Cheese taste like Pérail Cheese?
Fromage Frais Cheese reads as milky, smooth, while Pérail Cheese is distinctly sheepy in older cheeses.
What is Fromage Frais Cheese made of?
Fromage Frais Cheese is made from milk. It originates in France.
What is Pérail Cheese made of?
Pérail Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 2 to 8 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Fromage Frais Cheese or Pérail Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh soft, while Pérail Cheese is soft.