Afuega'l Pitu Cheese vs Glarner Alpkäse Cheese

Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is a different varieties based on form, shape, and aging cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Glarner Alpkäse Cheese is a cow-milk cheese.

What Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese?

Afuega'l pitu is an unpasteurized cow's milk cheese from Asturias in northern Spain, sold plain white or paprika red. Its name translates as "strangle the chicken," and it holds Protected Designation of Origin status from Spain and the EU.

What Is Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?

Glarner Alpkäse is a Swiss raw cow's milk cheese made on the alpine pastures of Glarus during the summer grazing season. The wheels have no holes and reach the market in mild, spicy and sharp grades. It has held AOP protection since 2014.

What's the Difference Between Afuega'l Pitu Cheese and Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (unpasteurized), Glarner Alpkäse Cheese (raw)
• Rind: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (White soft and rough in briefly ripened cheeses; moist, yellowish brown with moldy blue or white areas in ripened cheeses), Glarner Alpkäse Cheese (natural, formed in a salt bath)
• Taste: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (Lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses), Glarner Alpkäse Cheese (mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Afuega'l Pitu Cheese Taste Like Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?

Afuega'l Pitu Cheese reads as lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses, while Glarner Alpkäse Cheese brings mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening character.

Can You Substitute Afuega'l Pitu Cheese for Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?

In most recipes, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese and Glarner Alpkäse Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese reads as lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses while Glarner Alpkäse Cheese brings mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening notes.

Which Is Better, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese or Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese suits recipes that want lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses notes, while Glarner Alpkäse Cheese fits dishes calling for mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese the same as Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese similar to Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Afuega'l Pitu Cheese for Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.

Does Afuega'l Pitu Cheese taste like Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?

Afuega'l Pitu Cheese reads as lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses, while Glarner Alpkäse Cheese is mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening.

What is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese made of?

Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using very small amounts of calf rennet. It's typically aged fresh to mid-ripened. It originates in Spain.

What is Glarner Alpkäse Cheese made of?

Glarner Alpkäse Cheese is made from cow milk (raw).

Which should I choose, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese or Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.