Camembert Cheese vs Zimbro Cheese
Camembert Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from France, while Zimbro Cheese is soft, artisan and made from sheep milk, originating in Portugal.
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 Zimbro Cheese?
Zimbro is a soft, artisan cheese from Portugal made from unpasteurized sheep's milk. It has a pale yellow color and a washed rind, contributing to its clean aroma. The cheese offers a sweet flavor with herbal notes, making it a tasty choice for those who enjoy mild yet flavorful cheeses. Its soft texture makes it easy to spread, perfect for pairing with crusty bread or fresh fruits. Enjoy it as part of a cheese platter or simply on its own to appreciate its natural taste.
What's the Difference Between Camembert Cheese and Zimbro Cheese?
- Origin: Camembert Cheese (France), Zimbro Cheese (Portugal)
- Milk type: Camembert Cheese (cow's milk), Zimbro Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Camembert Cheese (unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions), Zimbro Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Rind: Camembert Cheese (Bloomy), Zimbro Cheese (washed)
- Taste: Camembert Cheese (slightly sour, stronger than brie), Zimbro Cheese (herbaceous, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Camembert Cheese | Zimbro Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Portugal |
| Specific Origin | Camembert, Normandy, Northwest France | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized for AOC Camembert de Normandie, pasteurized for most other versions | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Bloomy | Washed |
| Aging | Minimum 3 weeks | — |
| Taste | Slightly sour, stronger than brie | Herbaceous, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Camembert Cheese Taste Like Zimbro Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Zimbro Cheese brings herbaceous, sweet character. On the nose, Camembert Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Zimbro Cheese's clean.
Can You Substitute Camembert Cheese for Zimbro Cheese?
Camembert Cheese can stand in for Zimbro Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie while Zimbro Cheese brings herbaceous, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Camembert Cheese or Zimbro 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 Zimbro Cheese fits dishes calling for herbaceous, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Camembert Cheese the same as Zimbro Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Camembert Cheese originates in France, while Zimbro Cheese comes from Portugal. Camembert Cheese is made from cow milk; Zimbro Cheese uses sheep.
Is Camembert Cheese similar to Zimbro Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Camembert Cheese for Zimbro Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Camembert Cheese taste like Zimbro Cheese?
Camembert Cheese reads as slightly sour, stronger than brie, while Zimbro Cheese is herbaceous, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Camembert Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Zimbro Cheese is closer to clean.
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 Zimbro Cheese made of?
Zimbro Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in Portugal.
Which should I choose, Camembert Cheese or Zimbro Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.