Beaufort Cheese vs Naboulsi Cheese
Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Middle East and Palestine.
What Is Beaufort Cheese?
Beaufort is a firm raw cow's milk cheese from the Savoie region of the French Alps, part of the gruyère family. Its wheels take a concave shape from the beechwood hoop, and the cheese melts easily enough to be a standard choice for fondue.
What Is Naboulsi Cheese?
Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.
What's the Difference Between Beaufort Cheese and Naboulsi Cheese?
- Origin: Beaufort Cheese (France), Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine)
- Milk type: Beaufort Cheese (cow's milk), Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Beaufort Cheese (Raw), Naboulsi Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined)
- Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), Naboulsi Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Beaufort Cheese (strong), Naboulsi Cheese (salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Beaufort Cheese | Naboulsi Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Middle East And Palestine |
| Specific Origin | Beaufortin Valley, Savoie Region | Nablus, Palestine |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Semi-hard, brined |
| Rind | Even yellow color | Natural |
| Aging | 5 to 12+ months | — |
| Taste | Strong | Salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like Naboulsi Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty character. On the nose, Beaufort Cheese offers fruity, nutty, contrasted with Naboulsi Cheese's fresh.
Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese can stand in for Naboulsi Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, brined. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese reads as strong while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty notes.
Which Is Better, Beaufort Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Beaufort Cheese. For a semi-hard, brined profile, Naboulsi Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese suits recipes that want strong notes, while Naboulsi Cheese fits dishes calling for salty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beaufort Cheese the same as Naboulsi Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Beaufort Cheese originates in France, while Naboulsi Cheese comes from Middle East and Palestine. Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk; Naboulsi Cheese uses goat or sheep.
Is Beaufort Cheese similar to Naboulsi Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Beaufort Cheese taste like Naboulsi Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while Naboulsi Cheese is salty. Aromas also diverge. Beaufort Cheese leans fruity, nutty, and Naboulsi Cheese is closer to fresh.
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 Naboulsi Cheese made of?
Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.
Which should I choose, Beaufort Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaufort Cheese is hard, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined.