Cardo Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Cardo Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, Scotland and Wales, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Cardo Cheese?
Cardo is a semi-soft artisan cheese made from pasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It is crafted with a washed rind that contributes to its pungent aroma. The cheese has an ivory-colored interior with a creamy, smooth texture. Its flavor profile is a mix of floral, pungent, and savory notes, making it an interesting choice for those who enjoy bold cheeses. The cheese is enjoyed across England, Scotland, and Wales, offering a taste that reflects the region's cheese-making tradition. Ideal for pairing with crusty bread or a selection of fruits, Cardo makes a flavorful addition to any cheese board.
What Is Provolone Cheese?
Provolone is a well-known Italian cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes sharper and more robust with age. Made from cow's milk, this stretched-curd cheese can be aged from a few months to a year or more. Provolone is excellent for slicing, grating, or melting.
What's the Difference Between Cardo Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Cardo Cheese (England, Scotland and Wales), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Cardo Cheese (goat's milk), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Cardo Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Cardo Cheese (floral, pungent, savory), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cardo Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England, Scotland And Wales | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Timsbury, Somerset | — |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semi-soft, artisan | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Washed | — |
| Taste | Floral, pungent, savory | Tangy |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cardo Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | — | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | — | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Cardo Cheese and Provolone Cheese
Cardo Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Cardo Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Cardo Cheese reads as floral, pungent, savory, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Cardo Cheese offers pungent, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant.
Can You Substitute Cardo Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Cardo Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Cardo Cheese reads as floral, pungent, savory while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Cardo Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Cardo Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cardo Cheese suits recipes that want floral, pungent, savory notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cardo Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cardo Cheese originates in England, Scotland and Wales, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Cardo Cheese is made from goat milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow.
Is Cardo Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cardo Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Cardo Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Cardo Cheese reads as floral, pungent, savory, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Cardo Cheese leans pungent, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
What is Cardo Cheese made of?
Cardo Cheese is made from goat milk (pasteurized). It originates in England, Scotland and Wales.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Cardo Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cardo Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.
See full profiles: Cardo Cheese and Provolone Cheese.