Roquefort Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese
Roquefort Cheese is a moist, very creamy sheep-milk cheese from France, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Roquefort Cheese?
Roquefort is a blue cheese made from raw Lacaune sheep's milk in southern France. Only cheese ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon may carry the name. It is tangy and creamy, with no rind and a sharp bite from the blue veins.
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 Roquefort Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?
- Milk type: Roquefort Cheese (sheep's milk), Saint Felicien Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Roquefort Cheese (unpasteurized), Saint Felicien Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Roquefort Cheese (Moist, very creamy), Saint Felicien Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Roquefort Cheese (none), Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing)
- Aging: Roquefort Cheese (Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
- Taste: Roquefort Cheese (Mild to strong), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Roquefort Cheese | Saint Felicien Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, South Of France | Rhône-Alpes, France |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Moist, very creamy | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | None | Flower-style (fleurie) casing |
| Aging | Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Mild to strong | Creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Roquefort Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Roquefort Cheese reads as mild to strong, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Roquefort Cheese offers sweet, contrasted with Saint Felicien Cheese's nutty. More specifically, Roquefort Cheese shows buttercream smooth to salty and sharp, while Saint Felicien Cheese leans toward similar to saint-marcellin, softer and creamier. Aging plays into this as well. Roquefort Cheese at minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months develops a different profile than Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Roquefort Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
Roquefort Cheese can stand in for Saint Felicien Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect moist, very creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Roquefort Cheese reads as mild to strong while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Roquefort Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a moist, very creamy cheese, go with Roquefort Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Saint Felicien Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Roquefort Cheese suits recipes that want mild to strong notes, while Saint Felicien Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roquefort Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Roquefort Cheese is made from sheep milk; Saint Felicien Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Roquefort Cheese is typically aged minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.
Is Roquefort Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Roquefort Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Roquefort Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Roquefort Cheese reads as mild to strong, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Roquefort Cheese leans sweet, and Saint Felicien Cheese is closer to nutty.
What is Roquefort Cheese made of?
Roquefort Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 90 days, average of 5 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, Roquefort Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan.