Queijo de Azeitão vs Sheep's Milk Cheese
Queijo de Azeitão is a semi-hard, buttery, creamy, unctuous, with infrequent or non-existent eyes sheep-milk cheese from Portugal, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-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 Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.
What's the Difference Between Queijo de Azeitão and Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Queijo de Azeitão | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Portugal | — |
| Specific Origin | Palmela, Setúbal, And Sesimbra Councils | — |
| Milk Type | Sheep | Sheep |
| 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 Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Queijo de Azeitão for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
In most recipes, Queijo de Azeitão and Sheep's Milk Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Queijo de Azeitão or Sheep's Milk 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 Sheep's Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Queijo de Azeitão similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Queijo de Azeitão for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Queijo de Azeitão taste like Sheep's Milk 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 Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?
Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.
Which should I choose, Queijo de Azeitão or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.