Asiago Cheese vs Fromage Frais Cheese
Asiago Cheese is a cheese from Italy, while Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh soft, originating in France.
What Is Asiago Cheese?
Asiago is a cow's milk cheese from the Asiago plateau in Veneto and Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy, made either young and soft (Asiago pressato) or aged and crumbly (Asiago d'allevo). It carries Italian DOP status, though the name is treated as generic in the U.S. and Australia.
What Is Fromage Frais Cheese?
Fromage frais is an acid-coagulated fresh cheese from northern France and southern Belgium, sold with its live cultures still active. It looks and eats much like yogurt, and turns up in desserts, on bread under jam, and in savoury cooking.
What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Fromage Frais Cheese?
- Origin: Asiago Cheese (Italy), Fromage Frais Cheese (France)
- Taste: Asiago Cheese (sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old), Fromage Frais Cheese (milky, smooth)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago Cheese | Fromage Frais Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Veneto And Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy | Northern France And Southern Belgium |
| Milk Treatment | Raw (Asiago d'allevo) | — |
| Texture | — | Fresh soft |
| Rind | Thin, elastic (Asiago pressato) | — |
| Aging | 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged | — |
| Taste | Sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old | Milky, smooth |
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Fromage Frais Cheese?
Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Fromage Frais Cheese brings milky, smooth character.
Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Fromage Frais Cheese?
Asiago Cheese can stand in for Fromage Frais Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old while Fromage Frais Cheese brings milky, smooth notes.
Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Fromage Frais Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Asiago Cheese suits recipes that want sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old notes, while Fromage Frais Cheese fits dishes calling for milky, smooth.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asiago Cheese the same as Fromage Frais Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Asiago Cheese originates in Italy, while Fromage Frais Cheese comes from France.
Is Asiago Cheese similar to Fromage Frais Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Fromage Frais Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Asiago Cheese taste like Fromage Frais Cheese?
Asiago Cheese reads as sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old, while Fromage Frais Cheese is milky, smooth.
What is Asiago Cheese made of?
Asiago Cheese is made from milk (raw (asiago d'allevo)), using rennet. It's typically aged 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged. It originates in Italy.
What is Fromage Frais Cheese made of?
Fromage Frais Cheese is made from milk. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Fromage Frais Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.