Asiago-Style Cheese vs Pérail Cheese
Asiago-Style Cheese
Pérail Cheese
Asiago-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Pérail Cheese is soft and made from sheep milk, originating in France.
What Is Asiago-Style Cheese?
Asiago-Style cheese is a semi-hard cheese that draws inspiration from the traditional Italian Asiago. It is made from cow's milk and offers a flavor profile that ranges from mild and creamy when young to sharper and more crumbly as it ages. The texture can vary from smooth and pliable in its fresher form to a firmer, granular consistency in its older state. This cheese is often used for grating over pasta, salads, or soups when aged, or sliced for sandwiches and crackers when young. Its mild nutty flavor with hints of cream makes it a popular choice for both cooking and snacking. Asiago-Style cheese pairs well with fruits, nuts, and a variety of wines.
What Is Pérail Cheese?
Pérail is a soft sheep's milk cheese from Aveyron in southern France, sold in small rounds with an ivory, wrinkly rind. Older wheels taste distinctly sheepy.
What's the Difference Between Asiago-Style Cheese and Pérail Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago-Style Cheese | Pérail Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Aveyron, France |
| Milk Type | — | Sheep |
| Texture | — | Soft |
| Rind | — | Wrinkly, mainly Geotrichum candidum |
| Aging | — | 2 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | — | Distinctly sheepy in older cheeses |
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago-Style Cheese Taste Like Pérail Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Asiago-Style Cheese for Pérail Cheese?
Asiago-Style Cheese can stand in for Pérail Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Asiago-Style Cheese or Pérail 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 Asiago-Style Cheese the same as Pérail Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Asiago-Style Cheese similar to Pérail Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Asiago-Style Cheese for Pérail Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Asiago-Style Cheese taste like Pérail Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Asiago-Style Cheese made of?
Asiago-Style Cheese is made from milk.
What is Pérail Cheese made of?
Pérail Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 2 to 8 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Asiago-Style Cheese or Pérail Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.