Camembert Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese

Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.

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 Washed Rind Cheese?

Washed-rind cheese, also called smear-ripened, is cured over and over with brine or mold-bearing agents as it ripens. That feeds Brevibacterium linens on the surface, which gives the cheese its pungent smell, firm rind and distinctive flavor.

What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese?

• Texture: Camembert Cheese (soft, artisan), Washed Rind Cheese (soft to hard)
• Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Washed Rind Cheese (washed, firm)
• Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Washed Rind Cheese (pungent, distinctive)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese's pungent.

Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

Camembert Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft to hard. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive notes.

Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Camembert Cheese. For a soft to hard profile, Washed Rind Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese suits recipes that want slightly sour, stronger than brie notes, while Washed Rind Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent, distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Camembert Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Camembert Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Camembert Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese?

Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Washed Rind Cheese is pungent, distinctive. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Washed Rind Cheese is closer to pungent.

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 Washed Rind Cheese made of?

Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.

Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Camembert Cheese is soft, artisan, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.