Bitto Cheese vs Morbier-Style Cheese
Bitto Cheese is a fine-grained, sometimes with very few small holes; hard cheese from one year cow and goat-milk cheese from Italy, while Morbier-Style Cheese is .
What Is Bitto Cheese?
Bitto is a raw-milk PDO cheese from the alpine pastures of Sondrio in Lombardy, made only between 1 June and 30 September from cow's milk, sometimes with up to 10 percent goat's milk. Young wheels taste mild and sweet, and some are aged for years.
What Is Morbier-Style Cheese?
Morbier-Style cheese is a semi-soft cheese that is inspired by the traditional French Morbier. It is known for its creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor. The cheese is easily recognizable by the thin line of edible ash running horizontally through its center, which was historically used to separate morning and evening curds. Morbier-Style cheese has a pale yellow interior with a smooth, supple consistency, making it ideal for melting. It has a mild aroma and a nutty taste, with hints of fruitiness. This cheese is often enjoyed on its own, paired with rustic bread, or melted over dishes like gratins and potato dishes. It pairs well with wines such as Pinot Noir or Chardonnay.
What's the Difference Between Bitto Cheese and Morbier-Style Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bitto Cheese | Morbier-Style Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Province Of Sondrio, Lombardy, Including Neighboring Upland Pastures Of Lecco And Bergamo | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk primarily, with non-mandatory addition of raw goat’s milk up to 10% | — |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Fine-grained, sometimes with very few small holes; hard cheese from one year | — |
| Rind | Smooth, 2 to 4 mm thick, straw-yellow turning brownish yellow with age | — |
| Aging | Minimum of 70 days | — |
| Taste | Mild and sweet when young, stronger and spicier with age | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Bitto Cheese Taste Like Morbier-Style Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Bitto Cheese for Morbier-Style Cheese?
Bitto Cheese can stand in for Morbier-Style Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Bitto Cheese or Morbier-Style 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 Bitto Cheese the same as Morbier-Style Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Bitto Cheese similar to Morbier-Style Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Bitto Cheese for Morbier-Style Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Bitto Cheese taste like Morbier-Style Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Bitto Cheese made of?
Bitto Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 70 days. It originates in Italy.
What is Morbier-Style Cheese made of?
Morbier-Style Cheese is made from milk.
Which should I choose, Bitto Cheese or Morbier-Style Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.