Armenian String Cheese vs Farmstead Cheese
Armenian String Cheese is a semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Armenia, while Farmstead Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese.
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 Farmstead Cheese?
Farmstead cheese, called farmhouse cheese in Europe, is made on the same farm that produced the milk. No outside milk is allowed, so each one tastes like the herd and land behind it.
What's the Difference Between Armenian String Cheese and Farmstead Cheese?
- Milk type: Armenian String Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Farmstead Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Armenian String Cheese | Farmstead Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Armenia | — |
| Specific Origin | Armenia | Europe And North America |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo |
| Milk Treatment | Soured skimmed milk | — |
| Texture | Semi-soft | — |
| Aging | 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand | — |
| Taste | Mild | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Armenian String Cheese Taste Like Farmstead Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Armenian String Cheese for Farmstead Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese can stand in for Farmstead Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Armenian String Cheese or Farmstead 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 Armenian String Cheese the same as Farmstead Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Farmstead Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo.
Is Armenian String Cheese similar to Farmstead Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for Farmstead Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Armenian String Cheese taste like Farmstead Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Farmstead Cheese made of?
Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
Which should I choose, Armenian String Cheese or Farmstead Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.