Aged Cheese vs Pérail Cheese
Aged Cheese is a cheese, while Pérail Cheese is soft and made from sheep milk, originating in France.
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 Pérail Cheese?
Pérail is a soft sheep's milk cheese from Aveyron in southern France, sold in small rounds with an ivory, wrinkly rind. Older wheels taste distinctly sheepy.
What's the Difference Between Aged Cheese and Pérail Cheese?
- Aging: Aged Cheese (three weeks to two or more years), Pérail Cheese (2 to 8 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aged Cheese | Pérail Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Aveyron, France |
| Milk Type | — | Sheep |
| Texture | — | Soft |
| Rind | — | Wrinkly, mainly Geotrichum candidum |
| Aging | Three weeks to two or more years | 2 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | — | Distinctly sheepy in older cheeses |
Taste Comparison: Does Aged Cheese Taste Like Pérail 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 Pérail Cheese at 2 to 8 weeks.
Can You Substitute Aged Cheese for Pérail Cheese?
Aged Cheese can stand in for Pérail Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Aged Cheese or Pérail 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 Pérail Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Aged Cheese is typically aged three weeks to two or more years, Pérail Cheese 2 to 8 weeks.
Is Aged Cheese similar to Pérail Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Aged Cheese for Pérail Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Aged Cheese taste like Pérail 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 Pérail Cheese made of?
Pérail Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 2 to 8 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Aged Cheese or Pérail Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.