Asiago Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese
Asiago Cheese
Scamorza Cheese
Asiago Cheese is a semi-hard, crumbly cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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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 Scamorza Cheese?
Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.
What's the Difference Between Asiago Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?
- Texture: Asiago Cheese (Semi-hard, crumbly), Scamorza Cheese (Semi-soft)
- Rind: Asiago Cheese (thin, elastic (Asiago pressato)), Scamorza Cheese (natural)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Asiago Cheese | Scamorza Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Veneto And Trentino-Alto Adige, Italy | Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw (Asiago d'allevo) | — |
| Texture | Semi-hard, crumbly | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Thin, elastic (Asiago pressato) | Natural |
| Aging | 20 to 40 days fresh; 60 days to 15 months or more aged | — |
| Taste | Sweetish when young, bitter and spicy when very old | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Asiago Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Asiago Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
In most recipes, Asiago Cheese and Scamorza Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, crumbly bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft.
Which Is Better, Asiago Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, crumbly cheese, go with Asiago Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Asiago Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Asiago Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Asiago Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Asiago Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Asiago Cheese made of?
Asiago Cheese is made from cow 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 Scamorza Cheese made of?
Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Asiago Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Asiago Cheese is semi-hard, crumbly, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft.