Armenian String Cheese vs Casu marzu Cheese

Armenian String Cheese is a semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Armenia, while Casu marzu Cheese is soft, soft-ripened and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Armenian String Cheese?

Chechil, also called Armenian string cheese, is a brined pasta filata cheese from Armenia, sold as bundles of thick or thin fibrous threads that are often tied into ropes, braids or balls. It is frequently smoked and tastes sharp and sour with moderate salt.

What Is Casu marzu Cheese?

Casu marzu is a Sardinian sheep milk cheese fermented by live cheese fly larvae, which eat through a pecorino wheel and break down its fats until the paste turns very soft. Its sale is banned in Italy and the EU, and Guinness World Records called it the world's most dangerous cheese.

What's the Difference Between Armenian String Cheese and Casu marzu Cheese?

• Origin: Armenian String Cheese (Armenia), Casu marzu Cheese (Italy)
• Milk type: Armenian String Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Casu marzu Cheese (sheep's milk)
• Texture: Armenian String Cheese (semi-soft), Casu marzu Cheese (soft, soft-ripened)
• Aging: Armenian String Cheese (1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand), Casu marzu Cheese (3 months)
• Taste: Armenian String Cheese (mild), Casu marzu Cheese (intense, spicy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Armenian String Cheese Taste Like Casu marzu Cheese?

Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Casu marzu Cheese brings intense, spicy character. More specifically, Armenian String Cheese shows sharp and sour-milk, moderately salty at 4 to 8% salt, while Casu marzu Cheese leans toward mediterranean, pastoral and spicy notes, with an aftertaste that lasts for hours. Aging plays into this as well. Armenian String Cheese at 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand develops a different profile than Casu marzu Cheese at 3 months.

Can You Substitute Armenian String Cheese for Casu marzu Cheese?

Armenian String Cheese can stand in for Casu marzu Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, soft-ripened. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese reads as mild while Casu marzu Cheese brings intense, spicy notes.

Which Is Better, Armenian String Cheese or Casu marzu Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Armenian String Cheese. For a soft, soft-ripened profile, Casu marzu Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese suits recipes that want mild notes, while Casu marzu Cheese fits dishes calling for intense, spicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Armenian String Cheese the same as Casu marzu Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Armenian String Cheese originates in Armenia, while Casu marzu Cheese comes from Italy. Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Casu marzu Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Armenian String Cheese is typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand, Casu marzu Cheese 3 months.

Is Armenian String Cheese similar to Casu marzu Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for Casu marzu Cheese?

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

Does Armenian String Cheese taste like Casu marzu Cheese?

Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Casu marzu Cheese is intense, spicy.

What is Armenian String Cheese made of?

Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (soured skimmed milk), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand. It originates in Armenia.

What is Casu marzu Cheese made of?

Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Armenian String Cheese or Casu marzu Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Armenian String Cheese is semi-soft, while Casu marzu Cheese is soft, soft-ripened.