Anari Cheese vs Casu marzu Cheese

Anari Cheese is a soft, crumbly curds goat or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, while Casu marzu Cheese is soft, soft-ripened and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Anari Cheese?

Anari is a fresh, mild whey cheese from Cyprus, made mostly from the whey left over from halloumi or kefalotyri. Soft and chalk-white when young, it is eaten with carob syrup or honey, or salted and dried into a hard cheese for grating.

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 Anari Cheese and Casu marzu Cheese?

• Origin: Anari Cheese (Cyprus), Casu marzu Cheese (Italy)
• Milk type: Anari Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Casu marzu Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Texture: Anari Cheese (Soft, crumbly curds), Casu marzu Cheese (soft, soft-ripened)
• Aging: Anari Cheese (Fresh (2-3 days shelf life), Salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months)), Casu marzu Cheese (3 months)
• Taste: Anari Cheese (Very mild nutty flavor), Casu marzu Cheese (intense, spicy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Anari Cheese Taste Like Casu marzu Cheese?

Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor, while Casu marzu Cheese brings intense, spicy character. More specifically, Anari Cheese shows similar to italian ricotta, greek mizithra, and lor peyniri of turkey, while Casu marzu Cheese leans toward mediterranean, pastoral and spicy notes, with an aftertaste that lasts for hours. Aging plays into this as well. Anari Cheese at fresh (2-3 days shelf life), salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months) develops a different profile than Casu marzu Cheese at 3 months.

Can You Substitute Anari Cheese for Casu marzu Cheese?

Anari Cheese can stand in for Casu marzu Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, crumbly curds bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, soft-ripened. Flavor-wise, Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor while Casu marzu Cheese brings intense, spicy notes.

Which Is Better, Anari Cheese or Casu marzu Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, crumbly curds cheese, go with Anari Cheese. For a soft, soft-ripened profile, Casu marzu Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Anari Cheese suits recipes that want very mild nutty flavor notes, while Casu marzu Cheese fits dishes calling for intense, spicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anari Cheese the same as Casu marzu Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Anari Cheese originates in Cyprus, while Casu marzu Cheese comes from Italy. Anari Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Casu marzu Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Anari Cheese is typically aged fresh (2-3 days shelf life), salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months), Casu marzu Cheese 3 months.

Is Anari Cheese similar to Casu marzu Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Anari Cheese for Casu marzu Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Anari Cheese taste like Casu marzu Cheese?

Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor, while Casu marzu Cheese is intense, spicy.

What is Anari Cheese made of?

Anari Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (gradually heated to 149–158°f, then to 194°f). It's typically aged fresh (2-3 days shelf life), salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months). It originates in Cyprus.

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, Anari Cheese or Casu marzu Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Anari Cheese is soft, crumbly curds, while Casu marzu Cheese is soft, soft-ripened.