Berkswell Cheese vs Casu marzu Cheese
Berkswell Cheese
Casu marzu Cheese
Berkswell Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Casu marzu Cheese is soft, soft-ripened and made from sheep milk, originating in Italy.
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What Is Berkswell Cheese?
Berkswell is a hard sheep's milk cheese made at Ram Hall Farm near Berkswell in the West Midlands, England. Draining in plastic colanders gives it an unusual shape, and its mature pecorino character won Supreme Champion at the 2017 Artisan Cheese Awards.
What Is Casu marzu Cheese?
Casu marzu is a Sardinian sheep milk cheese fermented by live cheese fly larvae, which eat through a pecorino wheel and break down its fats until the paste turns very soft. Its sale is banned in Italy and the EU, and Guinness World Records called it the world's most dangerous cheese.
What's the Difference Between Berkswell Cheese and Casu marzu Cheese?
- Origin: Berkswell Cheese (United Kingdom), Casu marzu Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Berkswell Cheese (hard), Casu marzu Cheese (soft, soft-ripened)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Berkswell Cheese | Casu marzu Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Berkswell, West Midlands, England | Sardinia (Italy), Southern Corsica (France) |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Hard | Soft, soft-ripened |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Aging | — | 3 months |
| Taste | — | Intense, spicy |
Taste Comparison: Does Berkswell Cheese Taste Like Casu marzu Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Berkswell Cheese for Casu marzu Cheese?
In most recipes, Berkswell Cheese and Casu marzu Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, soft-ripened.
Which Is Better, Berkswell Cheese or Casu marzu Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Berkswell Cheese. For a soft, soft-ripened profile, Casu marzu Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkswell Cheese the same as Casu marzu Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Berkswell Cheese originates in United Kingdom, while Casu marzu Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Berkswell Cheese similar to Casu marzu Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Berkswell Cheese for Casu marzu Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Berkswell Cheese taste like Casu marzu Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Berkswell Cheese made of?
Berkswell Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It originates in United Kingdom.
What is Casu marzu Cheese made of?
Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Berkswell Cheese or Casu marzu Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Berkswell Cheese is hard, while Casu marzu Cheese is soft, soft-ripened.