Camembert Cheese vs Pérail de Brebis Cheese

Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Pérail de Brebis Cheese is soft, artisan and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

What Is Camembert Cheese?

Camembert is a moist, soft, surface-ripened cow's milk cheese from Normandy, first made in the late 18th century. Penicillium camemberti gives it a white bloomy rind and a creamy interior, with a taste stronger and slightly more sour than brie.

What Is Pérail de Brebis Cheese?

Pérail de Brebis is a traditional French cheese made from unpasteurized sheep's milk. It has a soft and creamy texture, making it an artisan favorite. The cheese offers a full-flavored and strong taste, characteristic of sheep's milk cheeses. Its aroma is notably goaty, adding to its bold profile. The cheese has a pale yellow color, indicative of its creamy composition. Known also as Perail or Pérail, this cheese is enjoyed for its rich and assertive taste.

What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Pérail de Brebis Cheese?

• Milk type: Camembert Cheese (cow's milk), Pérail de Brebis Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Pérail de Brebis Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Pérail de Brebis Cheese (full-flavored, strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Pérail de Brebis Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Pérail de Brebis Cheese brings full-flavored, strong character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Pérail de Brebis Cheese's goaty.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Pérail de Brebis Cheese?

Camembert Cheese can stand in for Pérail de Brebis Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Pérail de Brebis Cheese brings full-flavored, strong notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Pérail de Brebis Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Pérail de Brebis Cheese fits dishes calling for full-flavored, strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert Cheese the same as Pérail de Brebis Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk; Pérail de Brebis Cheese uses sheep.

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Pérail de Brebis Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Pérail de Brebis Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Pérail de Brebis Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Pérail de Brebis Cheese is full-flavored, strong. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Pérail de Brebis Cheese is closer to goaty.

What is Camembert Cheese made of?

Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized for aoc camembert de normandie, pasteurized for most other versions). It's typically aged minimum 3 weeks. It originates in France.

What is Pérail de Brebis Cheese made of?

Pérail de Brebis Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Pérail de Brebis Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.