Burrata Cheese vs Roumy Cheese
Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Roumy Cheese is hard and made from cow and buffalo milk, originating in Egypt.
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 Roumy Cheese?
Rumi, also spelled Roumy, is the main hard cheese of Egypt, made from cow's or buffalo milk with no starter culture. Three to four months of aging give it an open texture, a pungent smell and a sharp flavor that gets saltier with age.
What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Roumy Cheese?
- Origin: Burrata Cheese (Italy), Roumy Cheese (Egypt)
- Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Roumy Cheese (cow's and water buffalo's milk)
- Texture: Burrata Cheese (Soft, creamy), Roumy Cheese (hard)
- Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Roumy Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Roumy Cheese (3 to 4 months)
- Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Roumy Cheese (salty, sharp, strong)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Burrata Cheese | Roumy Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Egypt |
| Specific Origin | Andria, Apulia | Egypt |
| Milk Type | Cow, occasionally water buffalo | Cow's and water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Hard |
| Rind | Thin | Natural |
| Aging | Within 48 hours | 3 to 4 months |
| Taste | Mild, lactic | Salty, sharp, strong |
Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Roumy Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Roumy Cheese brings salty, sharp, strong character. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Roumy Cheese at 3 to 4 months.
Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Roumy Cheese?
Burrata Cheese can stand in for Roumy 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 hard. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Roumy Cheese brings salty, sharp, strong notes.
Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Roumy 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 hard profile, Roumy Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Roumy Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, sharp, strong.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burrata Cheese the same as Roumy Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese originates in Italy, while Roumy Cheese comes from Egypt. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Roumy Cheese uses cow and buffalo. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Roumy Cheese 3 to 4 months.
Is Burrata Cheese similar to Roumy Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Roumy Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Burrata Cheese taste like Roumy Cheese?
Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Roumy Cheese is salty, sharp, strong.
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 Roumy Cheese made of?
Roumy Cheese is made from cow and buffalo milk. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in Egypt.
Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Roumy Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Burrata Cheese is soft, creamy, while Roumy Cheese is hard.