Casu marzu Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese
Casu marzu Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
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 Old Ford Cheese?
Old Ford is an artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It has a semi-hard texture, making it a sturdy cheese with a satisfying bite. The flavor profile of Old Ford is a mix of buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, and savory notes, providing a refreshing yet rich taste experience. Its aroma carries barnyardy, floral, and goaty scents, adding to its rustic charm. The cheese is ivory in color, with a natural rind that adds character to its appearance. Suitable for cheese boards or paired with light wines, Old Ford is a versatile choice for various culinary applications.
What's the Difference Between Casu marzu Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?
- Origin: Casu marzu Cheese (Italy), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Casu marzu Cheese (sheep's milk), Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk)
- Texture: Casu marzu Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Casu marzu Cheese (intense, spicy), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Casu marzu Cheese | Old Ford Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Sardinia (Italy), Southern Corsica (France) | Timsbury, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Aging | 3 months | — |
| Taste | Intense, spicy | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Casu marzu Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?
Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character.
Can You Substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
Casu marzu Cheese can stand in for Old Ford 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-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.
Which Is Better, Casu marzu Cheese or Old Ford 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, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese suits recipes that want intense, spicy notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Casu marzu Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Casu marzu Cheese originates in Italy, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk; Old Ford Cheese uses goat.
Is Casu marzu Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Casu marzu Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?
Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
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 Old Ford Cheese made of?
Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Casu marzu Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Casu marzu Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.