Casu marzu Cheese vs Friesla Cheese
Casu marzu Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Friesla Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from sheep milk, originating in England.
Buy Casu marzu Cheese
Buy Friesla Cheese
What Is Casu marzu Cheese?
Casu marzu is a Sardinian sheep milk cheese fermented by live cheese fly larvae, which eat through a pecorino wheel and break down its fats until the paste turns very soft. Its sale is banned in Italy and the EU, and Guinness World Records called it the world's most dangerous cheese.
What Is Friesla Cheese?
Friesla is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized sheep's milk in Devon, England. This artisan cheese has a pale yellow color and a natural rind. It offers a sweet flavor profile, complemented by a similarly sweet aroma. The cheese's texture is firm yet slightly pliable, making it a pleasing choice for various culinary applications. Its sweet taste makes it a wonderful addition to cheese boards, pairing well with fruits and nuts. Friesla reflects the quality of English sheep's milk and traditional cheese-making practices in the region.
What's the Difference Between Casu marzu Cheese and Friesla Cheese?
- Origin: Casu marzu Cheese (Italy), Friesla Cheese (England)
- Texture: Casu marzu Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Friesla Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Casu marzu Cheese (intense, spicy), Friesla Cheese (sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Casu marzu Cheese | Friesla Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | England |
| Specific Origin | Sardinia (Italy), Southern Corsica (France) | Devon |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Aging | 3 months | — |
| Taste | Intense, spicy | Sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Casu marzu Cheese Taste Like Friesla Cheese?
Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Friesla Cheese brings sweet character.
Can You Substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Friesla Cheese?
In most recipes, Casu marzu Cheese and Friesla Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, soft-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy while Friesla Cheese brings sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Casu marzu Cheese or Friesla Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, soft-ripened cheese, go with Casu marzu Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Friesla Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese suits recipes that want intense, spicy notes, while Friesla Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Casu marzu Cheese the same as Friesla Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Casu marzu Cheese originates in Italy, while Friesla Cheese comes from England.
Is Casu marzu Cheese similar to Friesla Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Friesla Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Casu marzu Cheese taste like Friesla Cheese?
Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Friesla Cheese is sweet.
What is Casu marzu Cheese made of?
Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Italy.
What is Friesla Cheese made of?
Friesla Cheese is made from sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Casu marzu Cheese or Friesla Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Casu marzu Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Friesla Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.