Maroilles Cheese vs Queijo São Jorge

Maroilles Cheese is a semisoft cow-milk cheese from France, while Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Portugal.

What Is Maroilles Cheese?

Maroilles is a cow's milk cheese from northern France, sold in rectangular blocks with a moist orange-red washed rind. It is known for its strong smell and takes its name from the village of Maroilles, where it has been made since the 10th century.

What Is Queijo São Jorge?

Queijo São Jorge is a semi-hard to hard cow's milk cheese made only on the island of São Jorge in the Azores. It is known for its firm, brittle yellowish paste, small irregular holes, and a strong, slightly spicy flavor that sharpens with age.

What's the Difference Between Maroilles Cheese and Queijo São Jorge?

• Origin: Maroilles Cheese (France), Queijo São Jorge (Portugal)
• Milk treatment: Maroilles Cheese (pasteurized and unpasteurized), Queijo São Jorge (Raw)
• Texture: Maroilles Cheese (Semisoft), Queijo São Jorge (Firm consistency, hard or semi-hard)
• Rind: Maroilles Cheese (Reddish-orange color), Queijo São Jorge (Natural)
• Aging: Maroilles Cheese (5 weeks for 25-oz size), Queijo São Jorge (minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions)
• Taste: Maroilles Cheese (Creamy taste, powerful aroma), Queijo São Jorge (Peppery, grassy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Maroilles Cheese Taste Like Queijo São Jorge?

Maroilles Cheese reads as creamy taste, powerful aroma, while Queijo São Jorge brings peppery, grassy character. On the nose, Maroilles Cheese offers cellars, wet brick, undergrowth, contrasted with Queijo São Jorge's peppery, grassy. More specifically, Maroilles Cheese shows pungent smell of cellars, wet brick, undergrowth, light ammoniac, milky, slightly salty, with hints of milk curd, hazelnut, and garlic, while Queijo São Jorge leans toward mild, sour aftertaste; musty, earthy, barnyardy (aged). Aging plays into this as well. Maroilles Cheese at 5 weeks for 25-oz size develops a different profile than Queijo São Jorge at minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions.

Can You Substitute Maroilles Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

In most recipes, Maroilles Cheese and Queijo São Jorge can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semisoft bite and body where the recipe calls for firm consistency, hard or semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Maroilles Cheese reads as creamy taste, powerful aroma while Queijo São Jorge brings peppery, grassy notes.

Which Is Better, Maroilles Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semisoft cheese, go with Maroilles Cheese. For a firm consistency, hard or semi-hard profile, Queijo São Jorge is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Maroilles Cheese suits recipes that want creamy taste, powerful aroma notes, while Queijo São Jorge fits dishes calling for peppery, grassy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Maroilles Cheese the same as Queijo São Jorge?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Maroilles Cheese originates in France, while Queijo São Jorge comes from Portugal. Aging also differs: Maroilles Cheese is typically aged 5 weeks for 25-oz size, Queijo São Jorge minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions.

Is Maroilles Cheese similar to Queijo São Jorge?

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

Can I substitute Maroilles Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

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

Does Maroilles Cheese taste like Queijo São Jorge?

Maroilles Cheese reads as creamy taste, powerful aroma, while Queijo São Jorge is peppery, grassy. Aromas also diverge. Maroilles Cheese leans cellars, wet brick, undergrowth, and Queijo São Jorge is closer to peppery, grassy.

What is Maroilles Cheese made of?

Maroilles Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized and unpasteurized), using calf rennet. It's typically aged 5 weeks for 25-oz size. It originates in France.

What is Queijo São Jorge made of?

Queijo São Jorge is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions. It originates in Portugal.

Which should I choose, Maroilles Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Maroilles Cheese is semisoft, while Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard.