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Similar, But Not the Same How to tell the difference between France's most iconic cheeses

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Published
11/30/2022 by

Europe produces an astonishing amount and variety of cheeses. Certain estimates place the number of French cheeses in Europe at more than 1,000 – especially if you count those that are only enjoyed in the region they are made. Some well-known French cheeses are instantly identifiable, such as Mimolette, with its distinctive ball-like shape and bright orange interior, or Langres, a petite button with a concave top and a golden wrinkled rind. Others may be more difficult to distinguish based on appearance alone. For example: Is that a Camembert or Brie? A Bleu d'Auvergne or a Roquefort? These tips will help you to tell the difference between cheeses in four Fromage from Europe families.

Soft Cheese: Brie vs. Camembert vs. Coulommiers

Brie, Camembert and Coulommiers are all soft-ripened, cow's milk cheeses aged for about four weeks. Brie is shaped into large wheels, Camembert in small wheels, and the size of Coulommiers is in between the two. Brie and Coulommiers are close cousins in flavor—buttery and mellow, with just a hint of earthiness—but Coulommiers thicker paste gives it an even more luxurious mouthfeel. Camembert is rich and mushroomy, flavors that intensify as the cheese matures.

Hard Cheese: Comt é  vs. Emmental

Comté and Emmental are both Alpine-style, cow's milk cheeses made in mountainous regions of France bordering Switzerland. If whole wheels of these cheeses were placed side by side, it might be hard to tell them apart, yet inside their appearance is markedly different—Comté has tiny holes, or eyes, while Emmental's eyes are quite large. Flavor-wise, Comté is mild but complex, with notes of hazelnuts, butter, and cream. Emmental is nutty and slightly sweet.

Blue Cheese: Fourme d'Ambert vs. Bleu d'Auvergne vs. Roquefort

What this trio has in common are blue veins from the injection of Penicillium Roqueforti; beyond that they are quite different. Made for 1,000 years, Fourme d'Ambert is molded in a tall cylindrical shape. It's cut into discs, while the more traditional wheels of Bleu d'Auvergne and Roquefort are cut into wedges. Fourme d'Ambert is the mildest of the three, delicate and fruity. Bleu d'Auvergne has an intense aroma and a spicy, salty flavor. Roquefort—a favorite of Emperor Charlemagne—is rich zesty, and complex. 

Ash-coated goat cheese: Selles-sur-Cher vs. Valençay

Say "goat cheese" to most people and fresh chèvre is what comes to mind, but French goat cheeses cover a broad spectrum of age, shape, and flavor. The rinds of Selles-sur-Cher and Valençay are both covered in ash, a technique that creates a more hospitable surface for beneficial mold to bloom. The disc-shaped Selles-sur-Cher has a dense texture and a robust, tangy taste. Valençay, molded into a squat pyramid shape, boasts a distinctive wrinkly rind and a mild, creamy flavor with hints of lemon.

Whether soft or hard, rich or fresh, Fromage from Europe have a little something for everyone. Although some may appear similar, in daring to explore the many flavors of French cheese, you'll be able to distinguish each uniquely delicious quality in no time.

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