Casu marzu Cheese vs Glarner Alpkäse Cheese
Casu marzu Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Glarner Alpkäse Cheese is a cow-milk 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 Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?
Glarner Alpkäse is a Swiss raw cow's milk cheese made on the alpine pastures of Glarus during the summer grazing season. The wheels have no holes and reach the market in mild, spicy and sharp grades. It has held AOP protection since 2014.
What's the Difference Between Casu marzu Cheese and Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?
- Milk type: Casu marzu Cheese (sheep's milk), Glarner Alpkäse Cheese (cow)
- Rind: Casu marzu Cheese (natural), Glarner Alpkäse Cheese (natural, formed in a salt bath)
- Taste: Casu marzu Cheese (intense, spicy), Glarner Alpkäse Cheese (mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Casu marzu Cheese | Glarner Alpkäse Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Sardinia (Italy), Southern Corsica (France) | Glarus, Switzerland |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | — |
| Rind | Natural | Natural, formed in a salt bath |
| Aging | 3 months | — |
| Taste | Intense, spicy | Mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening |
Taste Comparison: Does Casu marzu Cheese Taste Like Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?
Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Glarner Alpkäse Cheese brings mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening character.
Can You Substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?
Casu marzu Cheese can stand in for Glarner Alpkäse Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy while Glarner Alpkäse Cheese brings mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening notes.
Which Is Better, Casu marzu Cheese or Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese suits recipes that want intense, spicy notes, while Glarner Alpkäse Cheese fits dishes calling for mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Casu marzu Cheese the same as Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk; Glarner Alpkäse Cheese uses cow.
Is Casu marzu Cheese similar to Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Casu marzu Cheese taste like Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?
Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Glarner Alpkäse Cheese is mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening.
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 Glarner Alpkäse Cheese made of?
Glarner Alpkäse Cheese is made from cow milk (raw).
Which should I choose, Casu marzu Cheese or Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.