Morbier Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese

Morbier Cheese is a smooth and tender cow-milk cheese from France, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.

What Is Morbier Cheese?

Morbier is a semi-soft cows' milk cheese from Franche-Comté in eastern France, named after the village of Morbier. A thin black layer of ash runs horizontally through its ivory paste, left over from the days when evening and morning curds were pressed into the same mold.

What Is Washed Rind Cheese?

Washed-rind cheese, also called smear-ripened, is cured over and over with brine or mold-bearing agents as it ripens. That feeds Brevibacterium linens on the surface, which gives the cheese its pungent smell, firm rind and distinctive flavor.

What's the Difference Between Morbier Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese?

• Texture: Morbier Cheese (Smooth and tender), Washed Rind Cheese (soft to hard)
• Rind: Morbier Cheese (Thin beige to orangey-pink), Washed Rind Cheese (washed, firm)
• Taste: Morbier Cheese (Fruity, yogurt, vanilla, milky, fudge), Washed Rind Cheese (pungent, distinctive)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Morbier Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?

Morbier Cheese reads as fruity, yogurt, vanilla, milky, fudge, while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive character. On the nose, Morbier Cheese offers fruity, grassy, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese's pungent.

Can You Substitute Morbier Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

Morbier Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect smooth and tender bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to hard. Flavor-wise, Morbier Cheese reads as fruity, yogurt, vanilla, milky, fudge while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive notes.

Which Is Better, Morbier Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a smooth and tender cheese, go with Morbier Cheese. For a soft to hard profile, Washed Rind Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Morbier Cheese suits recipes that want fruity, yogurt, vanilla, milky, fudge notes, while Washed Rind Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent, distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Morbier Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Morbier Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Morbier Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

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

Does Morbier Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese?

Morbier Cheese reads as fruity, yogurt, vanilla, milky, fudge, while Washed Rind Cheese is pungent, distinctive. Aromas also diverge. Morbier Cheese leans fruity, grassy, and Washed Rind Cheese is closer to pungent.

What is Morbier Cheese made of?

Morbier Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged minimum period of forty-five days. It originates in France.

What is Washed Rind Cheese made of?

Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.

Which should I choose, Morbier Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Morbier Cheese is smooth and tender, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.