Brocciu Cheese vs Pule Cheese
Brocciu Cheese is a soft, creamy goat or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Pule Cheese is artisan, originating in Serbia.
What Is Brocciu Cheese?
Brocciu is a Corsican cheese made from a mix of whey and ewe's milk. It is eaten fresh or ripened for a few weeks, and it holds less lactose than Italian ricotta, which it often replaces.
What Is Pule Cheese?
Pule, or magareći sir, is a Serbian cheese made from 60% Balkan donkey milk and 40% goat's milk at the Zasavica Nature Reserve. It is reported to be the world's most expensive cheese at US$1300 per kilogram.
What's the Difference Between Brocciu Cheese and Pule Cheese?
- Origin: Brocciu Cheese (France), Pule Cheese (Serbia)
- Milk type: Brocciu Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Pule Cheese (donkey's milk)
- Texture: Brocciu Cheese (Soft, creamy), Pule Cheese (artisan)
- Taste: Brocciu Cheese (Meltingly creamy, saltier when matured), Pule Cheese (nutty and earthy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brocciu Cheese | Pule Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Serbia |
| Specific Origin | Corsica | Zasavica |
| Milk Type | Goat's or sheep's milk | Donkey's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Artisan |
| Rind | None | — |
| Aging | Fresh or matured | — |
| Taste | Meltingly creamy, saltier when matured | Nutty and earthy |
Taste Comparison: Does Brocciu Cheese Taste Like Pule Cheese?
Brocciu Cheese reads as meltingly creamy, saltier when matured, while Pule Cheese brings nutty and earthy character. More specifically, Brocciu Cheese shows creamy, delicious aroma; becomes saltier and more intense when matured, while Pule Cheese leans toward nutty and earthy, reputedly similar to manchego.
Can You Substitute Brocciu Cheese for Pule Cheese?
Brocciu Cheese can stand in for Pule Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for artisan. Flavor-wise, Brocciu Cheese reads as meltingly creamy, saltier when matured while Pule Cheese brings nutty and earthy notes.
Which Is Better, Brocciu Cheese or Pule Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, creamy cheese, go with Brocciu Cheese. For a artisan profile, Pule Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brocciu Cheese suits recipes that want meltingly creamy, saltier when matured notes, while Pule Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty and earthy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brocciu Cheese the same as Pule Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brocciu Cheese originates in France, while Pule Cheese comes from Serbia.
Is Brocciu Cheese similar to Pule Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Brocciu Cheese for Pule Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Brocciu Cheese taste like Pule Cheese?
Brocciu Cheese reads as meltingly creamy, saltier when matured, while Pule Cheese is nutty and earthy.
What is Brocciu Cheese made of?
Brocciu Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged fresh or matured. It originates in France.
What is Pule Cheese made of?
Pule Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Serbia.
Which should I choose, Brocciu Cheese or Pule Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brocciu Cheese is soft, creamy, while Pule Cheese is artisan.