Afuega'l Pitu Cheese vs Naboulsi Cheese
Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is a different varieties based on form, shape, and aging cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Middle East and Palestine.
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 Naboulsi Cheese?
Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.
What's the Difference Between Afuega'l Pitu Cheese and Naboulsi Cheese?
- Origin: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (Spain), Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine)
- Milk type: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (cow's milk), Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (unpasteurized), Naboulsi Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (Different varieties based on form, shape, and aging), Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined)
- 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), Naboulsi Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (Lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses), Naboulsi Cheese (salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Afuega'l Pitu Cheese | Naboulsi Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | Middle East And Palestine |
| Specific Origin | Asturias | Nablus, Palestine |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Different varieties based on form, shape, and aging | Semi-hard, brined |
| Rind | White soft and rough in briefly ripened cheeses; moist, yellowish brown with moldy blue or white areas in ripened cheeses | Natural |
| Aging | Fresh to mid-ripened | — |
| Taste | Lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses | Salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Afuega'l Pitu Cheese Taste Like Naboulsi Cheese?
Afuega'l Pitu Cheese reads as lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses, while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty character.
Can You Substitute Afuega'l Pitu Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?
Afuega'l Pitu Cheese can stand in for Naboulsi Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect different varieties based on form, shape, and aging bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, brined. 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 Naboulsi Cheese brings salty notes.
Which Is Better, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a different varieties based on form, shape, and aging cheese, go with Afuega'l Pitu Cheese. For a semi-hard, brined profile, Naboulsi Cheese is the better fit. 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 Naboulsi Cheese fits dishes calling for salty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese the same as Naboulsi Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Afuega'l Pitu Cheese originates in Spain, while Naboulsi Cheese comes from Middle East and Palestine. Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is made from cow milk; Naboulsi Cheese uses goat or sheep.
Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese similar to Naboulsi Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Afuega'l Pitu Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Afuega'l Pitu Cheese taste like Naboulsi Cheese?
Afuega'l Pitu Cheese reads as lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses, while Naboulsi Cheese is salty.
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 Naboulsi Cheese made of?
Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.
Which should I choose, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is different varieties based on form, shape, and aging, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined.