Le Lacandou Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese
Le Lacandou 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 Le Lacandou Cheese?
Le Lacandou is a soft, artisan cheese from the Aveyron region in France, made from unpasteurized sheep's milk. It has a fat content of 45%, contributing to its creamy and smooth texture. The cheese is pale yellow with a natural rind. In terms of flavor, it offers a fruity taste that makes it quite pleasant. Its aroma is grassy, reminiscent of the pastoral landscapes where the sheep graze. This combination of flavors and scents makes Le Lacandou an enjoyable choice for cheese enthusiasts.
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 Le Lacandou Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?
- Milk type: Le Lacandou Cheese (sheep's milk), Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Le Lacandou Cheese (unpasteurized), Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Le Lacandou Cheese (soft, artisan), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Le Lacandou Cheese (natural), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
- Taste: Le Lacandou Cheese (fruity), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Le Lacandou Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Aveyron | 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 | Fruity | Resinous, mild to pungent |
Taste Comparison: Does Le Lacandou Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Le Lacandou Cheese reads as fruity, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character.
Can You Substitute Le Lacandou Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
Le Lacandou 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, Le Lacandou Cheese reads as fruity while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.
Which Is Better, Le Lacandou 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 Le Lacandou Cheese. For a soft profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Le Lacandou Cheese suits recipes that want fruity notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Le Lacandou Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Le Lacandou Cheese is made from sheep milk; Mont d'Or Cheese uses cow.
Is Le Lacandou Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Le Lacandou Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Le Lacandou Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Le Lacandou Cheese reads as fruity, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.
What is Le Lacandou Cheese made of?
Le Lacandou 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, Le Lacandou Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Le Lacandou Cheese is soft, artisan, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.