Aged Cheese vs San Michali Cheese
Aged Cheese is a cheese, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes and made from cow milk, originating in Greece.
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 San Michali Cheese?
San Michali is a hard cow's milk cheese from the Greek island of Syros, aged at least four months. It carries PDO status, tastes salty and piquant, and is one of the most expensive cheeses in Greece.
What's the Difference Between Aged Cheese and San Michali Cheese?
- Aging: Aged Cheese (three weeks to two or more years), San Michali Cheese (At least four months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aged Cheese | San Michali Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Greece |
| Specific Origin | — | Island Of Syros |
| Milk Type | — | Cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Compact, with very small irregular holes |
| Rind | — | Often covered with paraffin |
| Aging | Three weeks to two or more years | At least four months |
| Taste | — | Salty, peppery |
Taste Comparison: Does Aged Cheese Taste Like San Michali 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 San Michali Cheese at at least four months.
Can You Substitute Aged Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
Aged Cheese can stand in for San Michali Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Aged Cheese or San Michali 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 San Michali Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Aged Cheese is typically aged three weeks to two or more years, San Michali Cheese at least four months.
Is Aged Cheese similar to San Michali Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Aged Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Aged Cheese taste like San Michali 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 San Michali Cheese made of?
San Michali Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least four months. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Aged Cheese or San Michali Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.