Queijo de Azeitão vs Farmstead Cheese
Queijo de Azeitão is a semi-hard, buttery, creamy, unctuous, with infrequent or non-existent eyes sheep-milk cheese from Portugal, while Farmstead Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese.
What Is Queijo de Azeitão?
Queijo de Azeitão is a Portuguese cheese from the town of Azeitão, produced in Setúbal, Palmela and Sesimbra. It holds EU PDO status and was named one of the 50 best gastronomic products in the world at the 2014 Great Taste Awards.
What Is Farmstead Cheese?
Farmstead cheese, called farmhouse cheese in Europe, is made on the same farm that produced the milk. No outside milk is allowed, so each one tastes like the herd and land behind it.
What's the Difference Between Queijo de Azeitão and Farmstead Cheese?
- Milk type: Queijo de Azeitão (Sheep), Farmstead Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Queijo de Azeitão | Farmstead Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Portugal | — |
| Specific Origin | Palmela, Setúbal, And Sesimbra Councils | Europe And North America |
| Milk Type | Sheep | Cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Semi-hard, buttery, creamy, unctuous, with infrequent or non-existent eyes | — |
| Rind | Malleable, quite soft, whole, well-formed, smooth, fine, yellow, uniform | — |
| Aging | Minimum curing time is 16 days | — |
| Taste | Slightly piquant, a mix of sharp and salty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Queijo de Azeitão Taste Like Farmstead Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Queijo de Azeitão for Farmstead Cheese?
Queijo de Azeitão can stand in for Farmstead Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Queijo de Azeitão or Farmstead 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 Queijo de Azeitão the same as Farmstead Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Queijo de Azeitão is made from sheep milk; Farmstead Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo.
Is Queijo de Azeitão similar to Farmstead Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Queijo de Azeitão for Farmstead Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Queijo de Azeitão taste like Farmstead Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Queijo de Azeitão made of?
Queijo de Azeitão is made from sheep milk (raw), using cardoon (cynara cardunculus l.) preparation rennet. It's typically aged minimum curing time is 16 days. It originates in Portugal.
What is Farmstead Cheese made of?
Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
Which should I choose, Queijo de Azeitão or Farmstead Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.