Aged Cheese vs Caciocavallo Cheese
Aged Cheese is a cheese, while Caciocavallo Cheese is firm to semihard, chewy to crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 Caciocavallo Cheese?
Caciocavallo is a stretched-curd cheese from southern Italy, made with sheep's or cow's milk and shaped like a teardrop. It has a hard edible rind and tastes much like the aged provolone of the same region.
What's the Difference Between Aged Cheese and Caciocavallo Cheese?
- Aging: Aged Cheese (three weeks to two or more years), Caciocavallo Cheese (2 to 12 months, up to 5 years)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aged Cheese | Caciocavallo Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Apennine Mountain Range |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Texture | — | Firm to semihard, chewy to crumbly |
| Rind | — | Smooth, thickens with age |
| Aging | Three weeks to two or more years | 2 to 12 months, up to 5 years |
| Taste | — | Slightly sweet to sharp, piquant, complex |
Taste Comparison: Does Aged Cheese Taste Like Caciocavallo Cheese?
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 Caciocavallo Cheese at 2 to 12 months, up to 5 years.
Can You Substitute Aged Cheese for Caciocavallo Cheese?
Aged Cheese can stand in for Caciocavallo Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Aged Cheese or Caciocavallo Cheese?
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 Caciocavallo Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Aged Cheese is typically aged three weeks to two or more years, Caciocavallo Cheese 2 to 12 months, up to 5 years.
Is Aged Cheese similar to Caciocavallo Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Aged Cheese for Caciocavallo Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Aged Cheese taste like Caciocavallo Cheese?
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 Caciocavallo Cheese made of?
Caciocavallo Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged 2 to 12 months, up to 5 years. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Aged Cheese or Caciocavallo Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.