Aged Cheese vs Queijo de Azeitão
Aged Cheese is a cheese, while Queijo de Azeitão is semi-hard, buttery, creamy, unctuous, with infrequent or non-existent eyes and made from sheep milk, originating in Portugal.
What Is Aged Cheese?
Aged cheese is cheese that has gone through ripening, the stage after manufacture when enzymes, bacteria and moulds build its taste, texture and body. Ripening runs from about three weeks to more than two years, and all cheese except fresh cheese gets it.
What Is Queijo de Azeitão?
Queijo de Azeitão is a Portuguese cheese from the town of Azeitão, produced in Setúbal, Palmela and Sesimbra. It holds EU PDO status and was named one of the 50 best gastronomic products in the world at the 2014 Great Taste Awards.
What's the Difference Between Aged Cheese and Queijo de Azeitão?
- Aging: Aged Cheese (three weeks to two or more years), Queijo de Azeitão (Minimum curing time is 16 days)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aged Cheese | Queijo de Azeitão | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Portugal |
| Specific Origin | — | Palmela, Setúbal, And Sesimbra Councils |
| Milk Type | — | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Semi-hard, buttery, creamy, unctuous, with infrequent or non-existent eyes |
| Rind | — | Malleable, quite soft, whole, well-formed, smooth, fine, yellow, uniform |
| Aging | Three weeks to two or more years | Minimum curing time is 16 days |
| Taste | — | Slightly piquant, a mix of sharp and salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Aged Cheese Taste Like Queijo de Azeitão?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Aged Cheese at three weeks to two or more years develops a different profile than Queijo de Azeitão at minimum curing time is 16 days.
Can You Substitute Aged Cheese for Queijo de Azeitão?
Aged Cheese can stand in for Queijo de Azeitão in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Aged Cheese or Queijo de Azeitão?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aged Cheese the same as Queijo de Azeitão?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Aged Cheese is typically aged three weeks to two or more years, Queijo de Azeitão minimum curing time is 16 days.
Is Aged Cheese similar to Queijo de Azeitão?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Aged Cheese for Queijo de Azeitão?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Aged Cheese taste like Queijo de Azeitão?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Aged Cheese made of?
Aged Cheese is made from milk. It's typically aged three weeks to two or more years.
What is Queijo de Azeitão made of?
Queijo de Azeitão is made from sheep milk (raw), using cardoon (cynara cardunculus l.) preparation rennet. It's typically aged minimum curing time is 16 days. It originates in Portugal.
Which should I choose, Aged Cheese or Queijo de Azeitão?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.