Anari Cheese vs Farmstead Cheese
Anari Cheese is a soft, crumbly curds goat or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, while Farmstead Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese.
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 Farmstead Cheese?
Farmstead cheese, called farmhouse cheese in Europe, is made on the same farm that produced the milk. No outside milk is allowed, so each one tastes like the herd and land behind it.
What's the Difference Between Anari Cheese and Farmstead Cheese?
- Milk type: Anari Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Farmstead Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Anari Cheese | Farmstead Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus | — |
| Specific Origin | Cyprus | Europe And North America |
| Milk Type | Goat's or sheep's milk | Cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo |
| Milk Treatment | Gradually heated to 149–158°F, then to 194°F | — |
| Texture | Soft, crumbly curds | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Fresh (2-3 days shelf life), Salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months) | — |
| Taste | Very mild nutty flavor | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Anari Cheese Taste Like Farmstead Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Anari Cheese for Farmstead Cheese?
Anari Cheese can stand in for Farmstead Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Anari Cheese or Farmstead 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 Anari Cheese the same as Farmstead Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Anari Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Farmstead Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo.
Is Anari Cheese similar to Farmstead Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Anari Cheese for Farmstead Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Anari Cheese taste like Farmstead Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Farmstead Cheese made of?
Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
Which should I choose, Anari Cheese or Farmstead Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.