Anari Cheese vs Mont d'Or Cheese
Anari Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese
Anari Cheese is a soft, crumbly curds goat or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Anari Cheese?
Anari is a fresh, soft cheese from Cyprus, akin to Italian ricotta. It is made from the whey of sheep or goat milk and is notably mild and moist. Anari is versatile in the kitchen, suitable for both savory dishes and sweet desserts, and is particularly delicious when served with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
What Is Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or, or Vacherin Mont d'Or, is a seasonal, soft cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. Available from September to May, it has a delicate, creamy texture and a rich, earthy flavor. Mont d'Or is traditionally eaten warmed in the box it comes in, making the interior deliciously runny.
What's the Difference Between Anari Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese?
- Origin: Anari Cheese (Cyprus), Mont d'Or Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Anari Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Mont d'Or Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Anari Cheese (Gradually heated to 149–158°F, then to 194°F), Mont d'Or Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Anari Cheese (Soft, crumbly curds), Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Anari Cheese (natural), Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind)
- Aging: Anari Cheese (Fresh (2-3 days shelf life), Salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months)), Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days)
- Taste: Anari Cheese (Very mild nutty flavor), Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Anari Cheese | Mont d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus | France |
| Specific Origin | Island Wide | Jura Mountains, Doubs |
| Milk Type | Goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Gradually heated to 149–158°F, then to 194°F | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, crumbly curds | Soft |
| Rind | Natural | Washed rind |
| Aging | Fresh (2-3 days shelf life), Salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months) | 21 to 60 days |
| Taste | Very mild nutty flavor | Resinous, mild to pungent |
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Where to buy Anari Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese
Anari Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Anari Cheese Taste Like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor, while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent character. More specifically, Anari Cheese shows similar to italian ricotta, greek mizithra, and lor peyniri of turkey, while Mont d'Or Cheese leans toward known for its creamy taste and powerful aroma; gets resinous flavor from spruce bark. 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 Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days.
Can You Substitute Anari Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
Anari Cheese can stand in for Mont d'Or 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. Flavor-wise, Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor while Mont d'Or Cheese brings resinous, mild to pungent notes.
Which Is Better, Anari Cheese or Mont d'Or 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 profile, Mont d'Or Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Anari Cheese suits recipes that want very mild nutty flavor notes, while Mont d'Or Cheese fits dishes calling for resinous, mild to pungent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anari Cheese the same as Mont d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Anari Cheese originates in Cyprus, while Mont d'Or Cheese comes from France. Anari Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Mont d'Or Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Anari Cheese is typically aged fresh (2-3 days shelf life), salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months), Mont d'Or Cheese 21 to 60 days.
Is Anari Cheese similar to Mont d'Or Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Anari Cheese for Mont d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Anari Cheese taste like Mont d'Or Cheese?
Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor, while Mont d'Or Cheese is resinous, mild to pungent.
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 Mont d'Or Cheese made of?
Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Anari Cheese or Mont d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Anari Cheese is soft, crumbly curds, while Mont d'Or Cheese is soft.
See full profiles: Anari Cheese and Mont d'Or Cheese.