Mimolette Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese
Mimolette Cheese is a smooth, creamy body cow-milk cheese from France, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Mimolette Cheese?
Mimolette is a hard, bright orange cow's milk cheese made around Lille in northern France. It is sold at several ages, from young wheels that taste like Parmesan to extra-old ones with a hazelnut flavor and a grey, mite-worked rind.
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 Mimolette Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?
- Texture: Mimolette Cheese (Smooth, creamy body), Saint Felicien Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Mimolette Cheese (Natural), Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing)
- Aging: Mimolette Cheese (6 weeks to 24 months), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
- Taste: Mimolette Cheese (Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mimolette Cheese | Saint Felicien Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Flanders Area Of Pas-De-Calais | Rhône-Alpes, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Smooth, creamy body | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Flower-style (fleurie) casing |
| Aging | 6 weeks to 24 months | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel | Creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Mimolette Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Mimolette Cheese reads as sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Mimolette Cheese offers butterscotch, contrasted with Saint Felicien Cheese's nutty. More specifically, Mimolette Cheese shows mature: dense, waxy, hints of butterscotch; young: mild, while Saint Felicien Cheese leans toward similar to saint-marcellin, softer and creamier. Aging plays into this as well. Mimolette Cheese at 6 weeks to 24 months develops a different profile than Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Mimolette Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
In most recipes, Mimolette Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese 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, artisan. Flavor-wise, Mimolette Cheese reads as sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Mimolette Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?
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, artisan profile, Saint Felicien Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mimolette Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel notes, while Saint Felicien Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mimolette Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Mimolette Cheese is typically aged 6 weeks to 24 months, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.
Is Mimolette Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Mimolette Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Mimolette Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Mimolette Cheese reads as sweet, less acidic, fruity, nutty, caramel, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Mimolette Cheese leans butterscotch, and Saint Felicien Cheese is closer to nutty.
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 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, Mimolette Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mimolette Cheese is smooth, creamy body, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan.