Armenian String Cheese vs Farmer's Cheese
Armenian String Cheese is a semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Armenia, while Farmer's Cheese is soft and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk.
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 Farmer's Cheese?
Farmer's cheese is pressed curds, an unripened cheese made by adding rennet and a bacterial starter to milk. It comes from cow, sheep or goat milk, and the style ranges from pressed cottage cheese to a firm wheel close to Monterey Jack.
What's the Difference Between Armenian String Cheese and Farmer's Cheese?
- Texture: Armenian String Cheese (semi-soft), Farmer's Cheese (soft)
- Aging: Armenian String Cheese (1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand), Farmer's Cheese (unripened)
- Taste: Armenian String Cheese (mild), Farmer's Cheese (creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Armenian String Cheese | Farmer's Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Armenia | — |
| Specific Origin | Armenia | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Soured skimmed milk | — |
| Texture | Semi-soft | Soft |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand | Unripened |
| Taste | Mild | Creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Armenian String Cheese Taste Like Farmer's Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Farmer's Cheese brings creamy character. 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 Farmer's Cheese at unripened.
Can You Substitute Armenian String Cheese for Farmer's Cheese?
In most recipes, Armenian String Cheese and Farmer's Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese reads as mild while Farmer's Cheese brings creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Armenian String Cheese or Farmer's 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 profile, Farmer's Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese suits recipes that want mild notes, while Farmer's Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Armenian String Cheese the same as Farmer's Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Armenian String Cheese is typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand, Farmer's Cheese unripened.
Is Armenian String Cheese similar to Farmer's Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow, goat, or sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for Farmer's Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Armenian String Cheese taste like Farmer's Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Farmer's Cheese is creamy.
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 Farmer's Cheese made of?
Farmer's Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, using animal rennet. It's typically aged unripened.
Which should I choose, Armenian String Cheese or Farmer's Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Armenian String Cheese is semi-soft, while Farmer's Cheese is soft.