Mimolette Cheese vs Soumaintrain Cheese

Mimolette Cheese is a smooth, creamy body cow-milk cheese from France, while Soumaintrain Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Mimolette Cheese?

Mimolette is a hard, bright orange cow's milk cheese made around Lille in northern France. It is sold at several ages, from young wheels that taste like Parmesan to extra-old ones with a hazelnut flavor and a grey, mite-worked rind.

What Is Soumaintrain Cheese?

Soumaintrain is a soft washed-rind cow's milk cheese from Burgundy, made with raw or pasteurized milk. Brine washing every few days builds an orange rind and a very pronounced flavor.

What's the Difference Between Mimolette Cheese and Soumaintrain Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Mimolette Cheese (Pasteurized), Soumaintrain Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Mimolette Cheese (Smooth, creamy body), Soumaintrain Cheese (soft, artisan)
• Rind: Mimolette Cheese (Natural), Soumaintrain Cheese (washed)
• Aging: Mimolette Cheese (6 weeks to 24 months), Soumaintrain Cheese (at least 21 days)
• Taste: Mimolette Cheese (Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel), Soumaintrain Cheese (creamy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Mimolette Cheese Taste Like Soumaintrain Cheese?

Mimolette Cheese reads as sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel, while Soumaintrain Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Mimolette Cheese offers butterscotch, contrasted with Soumaintrain Cheese's rich. More specifically, Mimolette Cheese shows mature: dense, waxy, hints of butterscotch; young: mild, while Soumaintrain Cheese leans toward characteristic and very pronounced. Aging plays into this as well. Mimolette Cheese at 6 weeks to 24 months develops a different profile than Soumaintrain Cheese at at least 21 days.

Can You Substitute Mimolette Cheese for Soumaintrain Cheese?

In most recipes, Mimolette Cheese and Soumaintrain Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect smooth, creamy body bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Mimolette Cheese reads as sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel while Soumaintrain Cheese brings creamy notes.

Which Is Better, Mimolette Cheese or Soumaintrain Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a smooth, creamy body cheese, go with Mimolette Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Soumaintrain Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mimolette Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel notes, while Soumaintrain Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mimolette Cheese the same as Soumaintrain Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Mimolette Cheese is typically aged 6 weeks to 24 months, Soumaintrain Cheese at least 21 days.

Is Mimolette Cheese similar to Soumaintrain Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Mimolette Cheese for Soumaintrain Cheese?

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

Does Mimolette Cheese taste like Soumaintrain Cheese?

Mimolette Cheese reads as sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel, while Soumaintrain Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Mimolette Cheese leans butterscotch, and Soumaintrain Cheese is closer to rich.

What is Mimolette Cheese made of?

Mimolette Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 weeks to 24 months. It originates in France.

What is Soumaintrain Cheese made of?

Soumaintrain Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 21 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Mimolette Cheese or Soumaintrain Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body, while Soumaintrain Cheese is soft, artisan.