Laruns Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese
Laruns Cheese is a soft, artisan sheep-milk cheese from France, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Laruns Cheese?
Laruns is a French cheese originating from the region of Laruns. Made from unpasteurized sheep's milk, it is known for its soft, artisan texture. The flavor profile is a balanced mix of acidic, mild, nutty, salty, and sweet notes, making it a versatile choice for various pairings. It has a mild aroma that complements its straw-colored appearance. The cheese is wrapped in a natural rind, adding to its rustic appeal. Laruns is a prime example of traditional sheep's milk cheese, offering a gentle yet flavorful tasting experience.
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 Laruns Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?
- Milk type: Laruns Cheese (sheep's milk), Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Laruns Cheese (unpasteurized), Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Laruns Cheese (soft, artisan), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Laruns Cheese (natural), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
- Taste: Laruns Cheese (acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Laruns Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Laruns | Jura Mountains, Doubs |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Soft |
| Rind | Natural | Washed rind |
| Aging | — | 21 to 60 days |
| Taste | Acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet | Resinous, mild to pungent |
Taste Comparison: Does Laruns Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Laruns Cheese reads as acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character.
Can You Substitute Laruns Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
Laruns Cheese can stand in for Mont d'Or Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Laruns Cheese reads as acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.
Which Is Better, Laruns 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 soft, artisan cheese, go with Laruns Cheese. For a soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Laruns Cheese suits recipes that want acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laruns Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Laruns Cheese is made from sheep milk; Mont d'Or Cheese uses cow.
Is Laruns Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Laruns Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Laruns Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Laruns Cheese reads as acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.
What is Laruns Cheese made of?
Laruns Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). 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, Laruns Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Laruns Cheese is soft, artisan, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.