The main difference between Brie and Camembert is that Brie is milder with a buttery and creamy flavour, while Camembert has a deeper and more earthy flavour.
Brie and Camembert are two types of soft cheeses that originated in northern France. Interestingly, both of these cheeses have a similar appearance and a somewhat similar flavour. Therefore, many people assume them to be the same; however, there is a distinct difference between Brie and Camembert.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Brie
– Definition, Features, Uses
2. What is Camembert
– Definition, Features
3. What are the Similarities Between Brie and Camembert
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Brie and Camembert
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Brie, Camembert, Soft Cheese
What is Brie
Brie is a soft, mild, creamy, cows’ milk cheese with a firm white skin. It also has a soft, bloomy, edible rind of white mould. This cheese is named after the French region Brie, from which it originated. It has a rich and buttery flavour and a runny, creamy texture, as well as a strong earthy aroma. Brie is high in fat and calcium and has a relatively high sodium content. In addition to these, it’s a good source of protein and vitamins A and B-6.
Brie can be made from pasteurized or unpasteurized raw cow’s milk. This milk is thickened and curdled with the addition of enzymes and rennet. Then the curd is cut and ladled into moulds, and the whey is drained off. The next step is salting the cheese. After this, the cheese is left to rest for a week, allowing the rind to blood. The cheese usually becomes ripe in four weeks.
Brie can be served in cheese platters, accompanied by crackers, fruits and nuts. This cheese also bakes well. We can use Brie in casseroles, gratins, sauces, panni or even pizzas. However, before eating, make sure that the rind looks white and fresh, and there are not slimy or brown spots.
What is Camembert
Camembert is a cow’s milk cheese with a soft, slightly runny interior and a white, bloomy rind. This cheese originated in Normandy, France. Camembert is moderately high in fat and a good source of protein, calcium, phosphorous, and vitamins A and B. Camembert usually has a deep and intense than Brie.
It’s possible to make Camembert from both pasteurized and unpasteurized cow’s milk. First, the milk is mixed with a yeast culture before curdling. Once the curds are formed, they are cut, poured into round moulds and whey is drained off. Camembert is usually aged for at least four weeks. Moreover, the longer the cheese ages, the stronger the flavour, and softer the texture of the cheese.
Like brie cheese, you can enjoy Camembert in a cheese plater, with crackers, fruits and nuts. You can also use this cheese for baking.
Similarities Between Brie and Camembert
- Brie and Camembert are two types of soft cheeses that originated in northern France.
- Both are made from cow’s milk.
- They have soft, bloomy, edible rinds.
- Both have a similar appearance and flavour.
Difference Between Brie and Camembert
Definition
Brie is a soft, mild, creamy, cows’ milk cheese with a firm white skin and edible rind of white mould while Camembert is a type of rich, soft, creamy cheese with a whitish rind, originally made near Camembert in Normandy.
Flavour
Brie has a creamy and buttery flavour while Camembert has a more intense and deeper flavour.
Milk Fat Content
Moreover, Brie has a higher milk fat percentage than Camembert.
Size
A wheel of Brie is around 9 -14 inches in diameter while a wheel of Camembert is around 5 inches in diameter.
Lactic Starters
During brie production, lactic starters are only added at the beginning, but during camembert production, lactic starters are introduced several times.
Origin
Brie is originally from the French region Brie while Camembert is originally from Camembert in Normandy, France.
Conclusion
The main difference between Brie and Camembert is that Brie is milder with a buttery and creamy flavour, while Camembert has a deeper and more earthy flavour. Moreover, Brie has a higher milk fat percentage than Camembert.
Reference:
1. Filippone, Peggy Trowbridge. “What Is Brie Cheese.” The Spruce Eats, Available here.
2. “Camembert.” Castello, Available here.
Leave a Reply