Mimolette Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)
Mimolette Cheese is a smooth, creamy body cow-milk cheese from France, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.
What Is Mimolette Cheese?
Mimolette is a hard cheese from the region of Lille, France, known for its bright orange color and spherical shape. It has a firm texture and a nutty, sweet flavor that deepens as it ages. Older Mimolette is known for its dry and crumbly texture, making it an excellent grating cheese.
What Is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.
What's the Difference Between Mimolette Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
- Origin: Mimolette Cheese (France), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
- Texture: Mimolette Cheese (Smooth, creamy body), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened)
- Rind: Mimolette Cheese (Natural), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (washed)
- Taste: Mimolette Cheese (Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mimolette Cheese | Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Australia |
| Specific Origin | Flanders Area Of Pas-De-Calais | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy body | Soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened |
| Rind | Natural | Washed |
| Aging | 6 weeks to 24 months | — |
| Taste | Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel | Nutty, sharp, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Mimolette Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Mimolette Cheese reads as sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character. On the nose, Mimolette Cheese offers butterscotch, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)'s earthy, strong.
Can You Substitute Mimolette Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
In most recipes, Mimolette Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) 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, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened. Flavor-wise, Mimolette Cheese reads as sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Mimolette Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
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, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mimolette Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel notes, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mimolette Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mimolette Cheese originates in France, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia.
Is Mimolette Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Mimolette Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Mimolette Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Mimolette Cheese reads as sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Mimolette Cheese leans butterscotch, and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is closer to earthy, strong.
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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?
Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.
Which should I choose, Mimolette Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened.