Beaufort Cheese vs Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese

Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese is hard and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Beaufort Cheese?

Beaufort is a smooth, creamy cheese from the Savoie region of France. Known for its distinct concave wheel shape, it is produced from raw cow's milk and aged in mountain caves for a minimum of five months. Beaufort has a strong, sweet taste and is often used in fondue due to its excellent melting properties.

What Is Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese?

Canestrato di Moliterno is an Italian cheese from Basilicata, particularly noted for its firm texture and sharp, piquant flavor. It is made from a mix of sheep's and goat's milk and is aged in wicker baskets, which imprint a distinctive pattern on its rind. This cheese is often grated over pasta and used in traditional Italian dishes.

What's the Difference Between Beaufort Cheese and Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese?

• Origin: Beaufort Cheese (France), Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese (Italy)
• Milk type: Beaufort Cheese (cow's milk), Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese (70–90% goat's, 10–30% sheep's)
• Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese (Marked by canestri)
• Aging: Beaufort Cheese (5 to 12+ months), Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese (Fresh, Primitivo (≤6 months), Stagionato (6–12 months), Extra (>12 months))

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Beaufort Cheese shows ivory or slightly yellow color, occasional small eyes and thin slits, while Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese leans toward sweet and delicate, evolving to complex aromas with age; can be treated with olive oil or soot-water mixture. Aging plays into this as well. Beaufort Cheese at 5 to 12+ months develops a different profile than Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese at fresh, primitivo (≤6 months), stagionato (6–12 months), extra (>12 months).

Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese?

Beaufort Cheese can stand in for Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.

Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese originates in France, while Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese comes from Italy. Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk; Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese uses goat or sheep. Aging also differs: Beaufort Cheese is typically aged 5 to 12+ months, Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese fresh, primitivo (≤6 months), stagionato (6–12 months), extra (>12 months).

Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Beaufort Cheese made of?

Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using dried calves’ abomasum in recuite rennet. It's typically aged 5 to 12+ months. It originates in France.

What is Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese made of?

Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk. It's typically aged fresh, primitivo (≤6 months), stagionato (6–12 months), extra (>12 months). It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Canestrato di Moliterno Cheese?

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