Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese vs Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese

Share:

Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese is a semi-hard cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Slovenia, while Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is semi-soft and made from goat milk, originating in France.

What Is Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese?

Bovški sir is a hard sheep's milk cheese from the Bovec area of Slovenia with a protected designation of origin. Ripened 60 to 90 days, it tastes aromatic, full and slightly piquant, and it slices and grates well.

What Is Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Sainte-Maure de Touraine is an unpasteurized goat cheese from the Touraine province of France, sold as a small ash-rolled log with a straw running through its centre. The straw carries the AOC seal and a number identifying the producer.

What's the Difference Between Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese and Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

  • Origin: Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese (Slovenia), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (France)
  • Milk type: Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese (raw sheep's milk, or sheep's milk mixed with up to 20% goat's or cow's milk), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (goat’s milk)
  • Texture: Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese (Semi-hard), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (semi-soft)
  • Rind: Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese (Natural), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (Gray-blue)
  • Aging: Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese (At least 60 days), Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese (Minimum of ten days)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese
Country of Origin Slovenia France
Specific Origin Bovec Indre-Et-Loire And Bordering Cantons
Milk Type Raw sheep's milk, or sheep's milk mixed with up to 20% goat's or cow's milk Goat’s milk
Milk Treatment Raw Raw
Texture Semi-hard Semi-soft
Rind Natural Gray-blue
Aging At least 60 days Minimum of ten days
Taste Full, slightly sweet —

Taste Comparison: Does Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese Taste Like Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese at at least 60 days develops a different profile than Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese at minimum of ten days.

Can You Substitute Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese for Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese can stand in for Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft.

Which Is Better, Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese or Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard cheese, go with Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese the same as Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese originates in Slovenia, while Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese comes from France. Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese is typically aged at least 60 days, Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese minimum of ten days.

Is Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese similar to Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese for Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

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

Does Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese taste like Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

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

What is Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese made of?

Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 60 days. It originates in Slovenia.

What is Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese made of?

Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is made from goat milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum of ten days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese or Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bovški sir (Bovec) Cheese is semi-hard, while Sainte-Maure de Touraine Cheese is semi-soft.