Burrata Cheese vs Pérail Cheese
Burrata Cheese
Pérail Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Pérail Cheese is soft and made from sheep milk, originating in France.
What Is Burrata Cheese?
Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese from Puglia with a pouch of stretched mozzarella curd around a filling of stracciatella and cream. Cut it open and the soft centre spills out, which is what it is known for.
What Is Pérail Cheese?
Pérail is a soft sheep's milk cheese from Aveyron in southern France, sold in small rounds with an ivory, wrinkly rind. Older wheels taste distinctly sheepy.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Pérail Cheese?
- Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Pérail Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Pérail Cheese (sheep)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Pérail Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Pérail Cheese (wrinkly, mainly Geotrichum candidum)
- Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Pérail Cheese (2 to 8 weeks)
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Pérail Cheese (distinctly sheepy in older cheeses)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Pérail Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Aveyron, France |
| Milk Type | Cow, occasionally water buffalo | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Soft |
| Rind | Thin | Wrinkly, mainly Geotrichum candidum |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | 2 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Distinctly sheepy in older cheeses |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Pérail Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Pérail Cheese brings distinctly sheepy in older cheeses character. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Pérail Cheese at 2 to 8 weeks.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Pérail Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Pérail 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 soft. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Pérail Cheese brings distinctly sheepy in older cheeses notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Pérail 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 Burrata Cheese. For a soft profile, Pérail Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Pérail Cheese fits dishes calling for distinctly sheepy in older cheeses.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Pérail Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Pérail Cheese comes from France. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Pérail Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Pérail Cheese 2 to 8 weeks.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Pérail Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Pérail Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Pérail Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Pérail Cheese is distinctly sheepy in older cheeses.
What is Burrata Cheese made of?
Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged within 48 hours. It originates in Italy.
What is Pérail Cheese made of?
Pérail Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 2 to 8 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Pérail Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Pérail Cheese is soft.