Comté Cheese vs Soumaintrain Cheese
Comté Cheese is a smooth; semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Soumaintrain Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Comté Cheese?
Comté is a hard cheese from eastern France, made daily from raw cow's milk in village dairies called fruitières. It holds PDO status, has the largest production of any French PDO cheese, and tastes mild, nutty, salty and slightly sweet.
What Is Soumaintrain Cheese?
Soumaintrain is a soft washed-rind cow's milk cheese from Burgundy, made with raw or pasteurized milk. Brine washing every few days builds an orange rind and a very pronounced flavor.
What's the Difference Between Comté Cheese and Soumaintrain Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Comté Cheese (Raw), Soumaintrain Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Comté Cheese (Smooth; Semi-hard), Soumaintrain Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Comté Cheese (Natural), Soumaintrain Cheese (washed)
- Aging: Comté Cheese (4 months to 3 years), Soumaintrain Cheese (at least 21 days)
- Taste: Comté Cheese (Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted), Soumaintrain Cheese (creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Comté Cheese | Soumaintrain Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Jura | Burgundy (Côte-D'Or And Yonne) And Aube, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Washed |
| Aging | 4 months to 3 years | At least 21 days |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | Creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Comté Cheese Taste Like Soumaintrain Cheese?
Comté Cheese reads as nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted, while Soumaintrain Cheese brings creamy character. More specifically, Comté Cheese shows nutty, creamy, sweet through more meaty and roasted flavors, smooth texture, range of ages from 4 months to 3 years, while Soumaintrain Cheese leans toward characteristic and very pronounced. Aging plays into this as well. Comté Cheese at 4 months to 3 years develops a different profile than Soumaintrain Cheese at at least 21 days.
Can You Substitute Comté Cheese for Soumaintrain Cheese?
In most recipes, Comté Cheese and Soumaintrain Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect smooth; semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Comté Cheese reads as nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted while Soumaintrain Cheese brings creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Comté Cheese or Soumaintrain Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go with Comté Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Soumaintrain Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Comté Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted notes, while Soumaintrain Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Comté Cheese the same as Soumaintrain Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Comté Cheese is typically aged 4 months to 3 years, Soumaintrain Cheese at least 21 days.
Is Comté Cheese similar to Soumaintrain Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Comté Cheese for Soumaintrain Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Comté Cheese taste like Soumaintrain Cheese?
Comté Cheese reads as nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted, while Soumaintrain Cheese is creamy.
What is Comté Cheese made of?
Comté Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months to 3 years. It originates in France.
What is Soumaintrain Cheese made of?
Soumaintrain Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 21 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Comté Cheese or Soumaintrain Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Comté Cheese is smooth; semi-hard, while Soumaintrain Cheese is soft, artisan.