Armenian String Cheese vs San Michali Cheese
Armenian String Cheese
San Michali Cheese
Armenian String Cheese is a semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Armenia, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes and made from cow milk, originating in Greece.
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 San Michali Cheese?
San Michali is a hard cow's milk cheese from the Greek island of Syros, aged at least four months. It carries PDO status, tastes salty and piquant, and is one of the most expensive cheeses in Greece.
What's the Difference Between Armenian String Cheese and San Michali Cheese?
- Origin: Armenian String Cheese (Armenia), San Michali Cheese (Greece)
- Milk type: Armenian String Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), San Michali Cheese (Cow’s milk)
- Milk treatment: Armenian String Cheese (soured skimmed milk), San Michali Cheese (Pasteurized)
- Texture: Armenian String Cheese (semi-soft), San Michali Cheese (Compact, with very small irregular holes)
- Aging: Armenian String Cheese (1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand), San Michali Cheese (At least four months)
- Taste: Armenian String Cheese (mild), San Michali Cheese (Salty, peppery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Armenian String Cheese | San Michali Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Armenia | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Armenia | Island Of Syros |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Soured skimmed milk | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft | Compact, with very small irregular holes |
| Rind | — | Often covered with paraffin |
| Aging | 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand | At least four months |
| Taste | Mild | Salty, peppery |
Taste Comparison: Does Armenian String Cheese Taste Like San Michali Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while San Michali Cheese brings salty, peppery 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 San Michali Cheese at at least four months.
Can You Substitute Armenian String Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese can stand in for San Michali 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 compact, with very small irregular holes. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese reads as mild while San Michali Cheese brings salty, peppery notes.
Which Is Better, Armenian String Cheese or San Michali 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 compact, with very small irregular holes profile, San Michali Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese suits recipes that want mild notes, while San Michali Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, peppery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Armenian String Cheese the same as San Michali Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Armenian String Cheese originates in Armenia, while San Michali Cheese comes from Greece. Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; San Michali Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Armenian String Cheese is typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand, San Michali Cheese at least four months.
Is Armenian String Cheese similar to San Michali Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Armenian String Cheese taste like San Michali Cheese?
Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while San Michali Cheese is salty, peppery.
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 San Michali Cheese made of?
San Michali Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least four months. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Armenian String Cheese or San Michali Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Armenian String Cheese is semi-soft, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes.