Anari Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Anari Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Anari Cheese is a soft, crumbly curds goat or sheep-milk cheese from Cyprus, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 Provolone Cheese?
Provolone is a well-known Italian cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes sharper and more robust with age. Made from cow's milk, this stretched-curd cheese can be aged from a few months to a year or more. Provolone is excellent for slicing, grating, or melting.
What's the Difference Between Anari Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Anari Cheese (Cyprus), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Anari Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Anari Cheese (Soft, crumbly curds), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Anari Cheese (Very mild nutty flavor), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Anari Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Island Wide | — |
| Milk Type | Goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Gradually heated to 149–158°F, then to 194°F | — |
| Texture | Soft, crumbly curds | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Fresh (2-3 days shelf life), Salted (microbiologically safe for up to 6 months) | — |
| Taste | Very mild nutty flavor | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Anari Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Anari Cheese and Provolone Cheese
Anari Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Anari Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Anari Cheese offers highly perishable, nutty, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant.
Can You Substitute Anari Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Anari Cheese can stand in for Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Anari Cheese or Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Anari Cheese suits recipes that want very mild nutty flavor notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anari Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Anari Cheese originates in Cyprus, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Anari Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow.
Is Anari Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Anari Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Anari Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Anari Cheese reads as very mild nutty flavor, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Anari Cheese leans highly perishable, nutty, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
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 Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Anari Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Anari Cheese is soft, crumbly curds, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.
See full profiles: Anari Cheese and Provolone Cheese.