Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese vs Casu marzu Cheese
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese
Casu marzu Cheese
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is a cheese, while Casu marzu Cheese is soft, soft-ripened and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese?
Allgäuer Bergkäse is a German raw milk mountain cheese with a protected designation of origin. Loaves weigh 15 to 50 kg, ripen at least four months, and taste mild, aromatic and nutty, with more punch as the cheese ages.
What Is Casu marzu Cheese?
Casu marzu is a Sardinian sheep milk cheese fermented by live cheese fly larvae, which eat through a pecorino wheel and break down its fats until the paste turns very soft. Its sale is banned in Italy and the EU, and Guinness World Records called it the world's most dangerous cheese.
What's the Difference Between Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese and Casu marzu Cheese?
- Rind: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese (Yes), Casu marzu Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese (4 months), Casu marzu Cheese (3 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese | Casu marzu Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Landkreise Lindau (Bodensee), Oberallgäu, Ostallgäu, Unterallgäu, Ravensburg, Bodenseekreis; Städte Kaufbeuren, Kempten, Memmingen | Sardinia (Italy), Southern Corsica (France) |
| Milk Type | — | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | — | Soft, soft-ripened |
| Rind | Yes | Natural |
| Aging | 4 months | 3 months |
| Taste | — | Intense, spicy |
Taste Comparison: Does Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese Taste Like Casu marzu Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese at 4 months develops a different profile than Casu marzu Cheese at 3 months.
Can You Substitute Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese for Casu marzu Cheese?
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese can stand in for Casu marzu Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese or Casu marzu 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 Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese the same as Casu marzu Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is typically aged 4 months, Casu marzu Cheese 3 months.
Is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese similar to Casu marzu Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese for Casu marzu Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese taste like Casu marzu Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese made of?
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is made from milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months.
What is Casu marzu Cheese made of?
Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese or Casu marzu Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.