Camembert Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese

Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow 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 Saint Felicien Cheese?

Saint-Félicien is a soft cow's milk cheese from the Rhône-Alpes region of France, with a creamy interior under a flower-style fleurie casing. Rounds average 180 grams (6.3 oz), and it is softer and creamier than its close relative Saint-Marcellin.

What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Saint Felicien Cheese (pasteurized)
• Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing)
• Aging: Camembert Cheese (minimum 3 weeks), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
• Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Saint Felicien Cheese's nutty. More specifically, Camembert Cheese shows slightly sour, sometimes chalky, stronger than brie of the same ripening time; ammonia when overripe, while Saint Felicien Cheese leans toward similar to saint-marcellin, softer and creamier. Aging plays into this as well. Camembert Cheese at minimum 3 weeks develops a different profile than Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

In most recipes, Camembert Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Saint Felicien 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 Saint Felicien Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Camembert Cheese is typically aged minimum 3 weeks, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?

Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?

Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Saint Felicien Cheese is closer to nutty.

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 Saint Felicien Cheese made of?

Saint Felicien Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?

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