Casu marzu Cheese vs Innes Brick Cheese

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Casu marzu Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Innes Brick Cheese is semi-soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

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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 Innes Brick Cheese?

Innes Brick is a semi-soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk near Tamworth, Staffordshire, in England. Its pale yellow interior is complemented by a mold-ripened rind, giving it a fresh, lactic aroma. The flavor is mild and milky with a touch of nuttiness, making it a pleasant choice for those who enjoy gentle goat cheeses. The texture is smooth and creamy, which pairs well with crusty bread or fresh fruits. This cheese offers a simple yet satisfying taste experience, ideal for both casual snacking and refined cheese boards.

What's the Difference Between Casu marzu Cheese and Innes Brick Cheese?

  • Origin: Casu marzu Cheese (Italy), Innes Brick Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
  • Milk type: Casu marzu Cheese (sheep's milk), Innes Brick Cheese (goat's milk)
  • Texture: Casu marzu Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Innes Brick Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
  • Rind: Casu marzu Cheese (natural), Innes Brick Cheese (mold ripened)
  • Taste: Casu marzu Cheese (intense, spicy), Innes Brick Cheese (mild, milky, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Casu marzu Cheese Innes Brick Cheese
Country of Origin Italy England, Great Britain And United Kingdom
Specific Origin Sardinia (Italy), Southern Corsica (France) Near Tamworth, Staffordshire
Milk Type Sheep's milk Goat's milk
Milk Treatment — Unpasteurized
Texture Soft, soft-ripened Semi-soft, artisan
Rind Natural Mold ripened
Aging 3 months —
Taste Intense, spicy Mild, milky, nutty

Taste Comparison: Does Casu marzu Cheese Taste Like Innes Brick Cheese?

Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Innes Brick Cheese brings mild, milky, nutty character.

Can You Substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Innes Brick Cheese?

Casu marzu Cheese can stand in for Innes Brick Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, soft-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy while Innes Brick Cheese brings mild, milky, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Casu marzu Cheese or Innes Brick 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-soft, artisan profile, Innes Brick Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese suits recipes that want intense, spicy notes, while Innes Brick Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, milky, nutty.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Casu marzu Cheese the same as Innes Brick Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Casu marzu Cheese originates in Italy, while Innes Brick Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk; Innes Brick Cheese uses goat.

Is Casu marzu Cheese similar to Innes Brick Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Innes Brick Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Casu marzu Cheese taste like Innes Brick Cheese?

Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Innes Brick Cheese is mild, milky, nutty.

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 Innes Brick Cheese made of?

Innes Brick Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Casu marzu Cheese or Innes Brick Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Casu marzu Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Innes Brick Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.