Queijo de Azeitão vs Ossau-Iraty Cheese

Queijo de Azeitão is a semi-hard, creamy sheep-milk cheese from Portugal, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is semi-hard, creamy and made from sheep milk, originating in France.

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 Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Ossau-Iraty is a sheep's milk cheese from the Northern Basque Country and Béarn in south-western France. Uncooked and pressed, it is smooth, creamy and firm, and has held appellation d'origine contrôlée status since 1980.

What's the Difference Between Queijo de Azeitão and Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

• Origin: Queijo de Azeitão (Portugal), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (France)
• Rind: Queijo de Azeitão (Malleable, quite soft, whole, well-formed, smooth, fine, yellow, uniform), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Natural, smooth, orange to gray)
• Aging: Queijo de Azeitão (Minimum curing time is 16 days), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Minimum 80-120 days)
• Taste: Queijo de Azeitão (Slightly piquant, a mix of sharp and salty), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (fruity, herbaceous, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Queijo de Azeitão Taste Like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Queijo de Azeitão reads as slightly piquant, a mix of sharp and salty, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese brings fruity, herbaceous, nutty character. On the nose, Queijo de Azeitão offers mild, delicate, contrasted with Ossau-Iraty Cheese's rich. Aging plays into this as well. Queijo de Azeitão at minimum curing time is 16 days develops a different profile than Ossau-Iraty Cheese at minimum 80-120 days.

Can You Substitute Queijo de Azeitão for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

In most recipes, Queijo de Azeitão and Ossau-Iraty Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Queijo de Azeitão reads as slightly piquant, a mix of sharp and salty while Ossau-Iraty Cheese brings fruity, herbaceous, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Queijo de Azeitão or Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Queijo de Azeitão suits recipes that want slightly piquant, a mix of sharp and salty notes, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese fits dishes calling for fruity, herbaceous, nutty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Queijo de Azeitão the same as Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Queijo de Azeitão originates in Portugal, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Queijo de Azeitão is typically aged minimum curing time is 16 days, Ossau-Iraty Cheese minimum 80-120 days.

Is Queijo de Azeitão similar to Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.

Can I substitute Queijo de Azeitão for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.

Does Queijo de Azeitão taste like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

Queijo de Azeitão reads as slightly piquant, a mix of sharp and salty, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is fruity, herbaceous, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Queijo de Azeitão leans mild, delicate, and Ossau-Iraty Cheese is closer to rich.

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 Ossau-Iraty Cheese made of?

Ossau-Iraty Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum 80-120 days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Queijo de Azeitão or Ossau-Iraty Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.