Mont d'Or Cheese vs Naboulsi Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Middle East and Palestine.
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 Is Naboulsi Cheese?
Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.
What's the Difference Between Mont d'Or Cheese and Naboulsi Cheese?
- Origin: Mont d'Or Cheese (France), Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine)
- Milk type: Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk), Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw), Naboulsi Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft), Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined)
- Rind: Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind), Naboulsi Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent), Naboulsi Cheese (salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mont d'Or Cheese | Naboulsi Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Middle East And Palestine |
| Specific Origin | Jura Mountains, Doubs | Nablus, Palestine |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Semi-hard, brined |
| Rind | Washed rind | Natural |
| Aging | 21 to 60 days | — |
| Taste | Resinous, mild to pungent | Salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Mont d'Or Cheese Taste Like Naboulsi Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty character.
Can You Substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese can stand in for Naboulsi Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, brined. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty notes.
Which Is Better, Mont d'Or Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Mont d'Or Cheese. For a semi-hard, brined profile, Naboulsi Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese suits recipes that want resinous, mild to pungent notes, while Naboulsi Cheese fits dishes calling for salty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mont d'Or Cheese the same as Naboulsi Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mont d'Or Cheese originates in France, while Naboulsi Cheese comes from Middle East and Palestine. Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk; Naboulsi Cheese uses goat or sheep.
Is Mont d'Or Cheese similar to Naboulsi Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mont d'Or Cheese taste like Naboulsi Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Naboulsi Cheese is salty.
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.
What is Naboulsi Cheese made of?
Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.
Which should I choose, Mont d'Or Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mont d'Or Cheese is soft, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined.