Anari Cheese vs Queso de Murcia

Anari Cheese is a soft, crumbly curds goat or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, while Queso de Murcia is soft and elastic (fresh) / firm and compact (cured) and made from goat milk, originating in Spain.

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 Queso de Murcia?

Queso de Murcia is a traditional Spanish cheese made exclusively from the milk of Murcian goats. It is produced in the Murcia region and comes in two varieties: "Queso de Murcia fresco" (fresh) and "Queso de Murcia curado" (cured). The fresh variety is a soft, lightly pressed cheese with a white, elastic texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. The cured variety is firmer, with a smooth rind, a white-to-ochre body, and a complex flavor profile featuring lactic, animal, and vegetal notes. The cheese is made using traditional methods, including manual or mechanical molding, brining, and aging. Murcian goats are known for their high-fat milk, which contributes to the cheese's richness. The cheese must be produced and matured within the Murcia region, following strict regulations.

What's the Difference Between Anari Cheese and Queso de Murcia?

• Origin: Anari Cheese (Cyprus), Queso de Murcia (Spain)
• Milk type: Anari Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Queso de Murcia (Goat’s milk)
• Texture: Anari Cheese (Soft, crumbly curds), Queso de Murcia (Soft and elastic (fresh) / Firm and compact (cured))
• Rind: Anari Cheese (natural), Queso de Murcia (None (fresh) / Hard, smooth (cured))
• Aging: Anari Cheese (Fresh (2-3 days shelf life), Salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months)), Queso de Murcia (Not aged (fresh) / Minimum 60-120 days (cured))
• Taste: Anari Cheese (Very mild nutty flavor), Queso de Murcia (Mild, slightly sweet (fresh) / Persistent, lactic, with vegetal and roasted notes (cured))

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Anari Cheese Taste Like Queso de Murcia?

Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor, while Queso de Murcia brings mild, slightly sweet (fresh) / persistent, lactic, with vegetal and roasted notes (cured) character. On the nose, Anari Cheese offers highly perishable, nutty, contrasted with Queso de Murcia's low intensity (fresh) / medium to high intensity with lactic and animal notes (cured). More specifically, Anari Cheese shows similar to italian ricotta, greek mizithra, and lor peyniri of turkey, while Queso de Murcia leans toward fresh milk, cream (fresh) / butter, hay, dried fruit, caramel (cured). 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 Queso de Murcia at not aged (fresh) / minimum 60-120 days (cured).

Can You Substitute Anari Cheese for Queso de Murcia?

Anari Cheese can stand in for Queso de Murcia 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 and elastic (fresh) / firm and compact (cured). Flavor-wise, Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor while Queso de Murcia brings mild, slightly sweet (fresh) / persistent, lactic, with vegetal and roasted notes (cured) notes.

Which Is Better, Anari Cheese or Queso de Murcia?

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 and elastic (fresh) / firm and compact (cured) profile, Queso de Murcia is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Anari Cheese suits recipes that want very mild nutty flavor notes, while Queso de Murcia fits dishes calling for mild, slightly sweet (fresh) / persistent, lactic, with vegetal and roasted notes (cured).

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Anari Cheese the same as Queso de Murcia?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Anari Cheese originates in Cyprus, while Queso de Murcia comes from Spain. Anari Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Queso de Murcia uses goat. Aging also differs: Anari Cheese is typically aged fresh (2-3 days shelf life), salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months), Queso de Murcia not aged (fresh) / minimum 60-120 days (cured).

Is Anari Cheese similar to Queso de Murcia?

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

Can I substitute Anari Cheese for Queso de Murcia?

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

Does Anari Cheese taste like Queso de Murcia?

Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor, while Queso de Murcia is mild, slightly sweet (fresh) / persistent, lactic, with vegetal and roasted notes (cured). Aromas also diverge. Anari Cheese leans highly perishable, nutty, and Queso de Murcia is closer to low intensity (fresh) / medium to high intensity with lactic and animal notes (cured).

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 Queso de Murcia made of?

Queso de Murcia is made from goat milk. It's typically aged not aged (fresh) / minimum 60-120 days (cured). It originates in Spain.

Which should I choose, Anari Cheese or Queso de Murcia?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Anari Cheese is soft, crumbly curds, while Queso de Murcia is soft and elastic (fresh) / firm and compact (cured).