Anari Cheese vs Montasio-Style Cheese
Anari Cheese is a soft, crumbly curds goat or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, while Montasio-Style Cheese is .
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 Montasio-Style Cheese?
Montasio-Style cheese is a semi-hard cheese originally from the Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a smooth, pale yellow rind. The cheese typically ages for several months, developing a firm texture and a mild, nutty flavor. Younger Montasio-Style cheese is creamy and slightly tangy, while aged versions become crumbly with a more pronounced sharpness. It is often used in cooking, grated over pasta dishes or melted in traditional recipes. Montasio-Style cheese pairs well with fruity white wines and is enjoyed as part of a cheese platter.
What's the Difference Between Anari Cheese and Montasio-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Anari Cheese | Montasio-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus | — |
| Specific Origin | Cyprus | — |
| Milk Type | Goat's or sheep's milk | — |
| 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 Montasio-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Anari Cheese for Montasio-Style Cheese?
Anari Cheese can stand in for Montasio-Style Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Anari Cheese or Montasio-Style 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 Montasio-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Anari Cheese similar to Montasio-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Anari Cheese for Montasio-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Anari Cheese taste like Montasio-Style 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 Montasio-Style Cheese made of?
Montasio-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Anari Cheese or Montasio-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.