Casu marzu Cheese vs Queijo São Jorge
Casu marzu Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Portugal.
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 Queijo São Jorge?
Queijo São Jorge is a semi-hard to hard cow's milk cheese made only on the island of São Jorge in the Azores. It is known for its firm, brittle yellowish paste, small irregular holes, and a strong, slightly spicy flavor that sharpens with age.
What's the Difference Between Casu marzu Cheese and Queijo São Jorge?
- Origin: Casu marzu Cheese (Italy), Queijo São Jorge (Portugal)
- Milk type: Casu marzu Cheese (sheep's milk), Queijo São Jorge (Cow)
- Texture: Casu marzu Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Queijo São Jorge (Firm consistency, hard or semi-hard)
- Rind: Casu marzu Cheese (natural), Queijo São Jorge (Natural)
- Aging: Casu marzu Cheese (3 months), Queijo São Jorge (minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions)
- Taste: Casu marzu Cheese (intense, spicy), Queijo São Jorge (Peppery, grassy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Casu marzu Cheese | Queijo São Jorge | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Portugal |
| Specific Origin | Sardinia (Italy), Southern Corsica (France) | Island Of São Jorge, Azores |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | Firm consistency, hard or semi-hard |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Aging | 3 months | Minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions |
| Taste | Intense, spicy | Peppery, grassy |
Taste Comparison: Does Casu marzu Cheese Taste Like Queijo São Jorge?
Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Queijo São Jorge brings peppery, grassy character. More specifically, Casu marzu Cheese shows mediterranean, pastoral and spicy notes, with an aftertaste that lasts for hours, while Queijo São Jorge leans toward mild, sour aftertaste; musty, earthy, barnyardy (aged). Aging plays into this as well. Casu marzu Cheese at 3 months develops a different profile than Queijo São Jorge at minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions.
Can You Substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?
Casu marzu Cheese can stand in for Queijo São Jorge 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 firm consistency, hard or semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy while Queijo São Jorge brings peppery, grassy notes.
Which Is Better, Casu marzu Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?
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 firm consistency, hard or semi-hard profile, Queijo São Jorge is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese suits recipes that want intense, spicy notes, while Queijo São Jorge fits dishes calling for peppery, grassy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Casu marzu Cheese the same as Queijo São Jorge?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Casu marzu Cheese originates in Italy, while Queijo São Jorge comes from Portugal. Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk; Queijo São Jorge uses cow. Aging also differs: Casu marzu Cheese is typically aged 3 months, Queijo São Jorge minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions.
Is Casu marzu Cheese similar to Queijo São Jorge?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Casu marzu Cheese taste like Queijo São Jorge?
Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Queijo São Jorge is peppery, grassy.
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 Queijo São Jorge made of?
Queijo São Jorge is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions. It originates in Portugal.
Which should I choose, Casu marzu Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Casu marzu Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard.