Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese vs San Michali Cheese
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese
San Michali Cheese
Allgäuer Bergkäse 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 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 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 Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese and San Michali Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese (Raw), San Michali Cheese (Pasteurized)
- Rind: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese (Yes), San Michali Cheese (Often covered with paraffin)
- Aging: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese (4 months), San Michali Cheese (At least four months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese | San Michali Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Landkreise Lindau (Bodensee), Oberallgäu, Ostallgäu, Unterallgäu, Ravensburg, Bodenseekreis; Städte Kaufbeuren, Kempten, Memmingen | Island Of Syros |
| Milk Type | — | Cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Compact, with very small irregular holes |
| Rind | Yes | Often covered with paraffin |
| Aging | 4 months | At least four months |
| Taste | — | Salty, peppery |
Taste Comparison: Does Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese Taste Like San Michali Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese at 4 months develops a different profile than San Michali Cheese at at least four months.
Can You Substitute Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
Allgäuer Bergkäse 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, Allgäuer Bergkäse 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 Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese the same as San Michali Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is typically aged 4 months, San Michali Cheese at least four months.
Is Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese similar to San Michali Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Allgäuer Bergkäse 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 Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese made of?
Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese is made from milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months.
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, Allgäuer Bergkäse Cheese or San Michali Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.