Armenian String Cheese vs Naboulsi Cheese

Armenian String Cheese is a semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Armenia, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Middle East and Palestine.

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 Naboulsi Cheese?

Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.

What's the Difference Between Armenian String Cheese and Naboulsi Cheese?

• Origin: Armenian String Cheese (Armenia), Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine)
• Milk type: Armenian String Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Armenian String Cheese (soured skimmed milk), Naboulsi Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Armenian String Cheese (semi-soft), Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined)
• Taste: Armenian String Cheese (mild), Naboulsi Cheese (salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Armenian String Cheese Taste Like Naboulsi Cheese?

Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty character.

Can You Substitute Armenian String Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?

Armenian String Cheese can stand in for Naboulsi 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 semi-hard, brined. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese reads as mild while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty notes.

Which Is Better, Armenian String Cheese or Naboulsi 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 semi-hard, brined profile, Naboulsi Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese suits recipes that want mild notes, while Naboulsi Cheese fits dishes calling for salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Armenian String Cheese the same as Naboulsi Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Armenian String Cheese originates in Armenia, while Naboulsi Cheese comes from Middle East and Palestine. Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Naboulsi Cheese uses goat or sheep.

Is Armenian String Cheese similar to Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?

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

Does Armenian String Cheese taste like Naboulsi Cheese?

Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Naboulsi Cheese is salty.

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 Naboulsi Cheese made of?

Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.

Which should I choose, Armenian String Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Armenian String Cheese is semi-soft, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined.