Casu marzu Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese

Q: Is Casu marzu Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

No. Casu marzu Cheese and Scamorza Cheese are distinct cheeses. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Casu marzu Cheese for Scamorza Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Casu marzu Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Casu marzu Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Casu marzu Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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 Scamorza Cheese?

Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.

What's the Difference Between Casu marzu Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?

Milk type: Casu marzu Cheese (sheep's milk), Scamorza Cheese (cow's milk)
Texture: Casu marzu Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Casu marzu Cheese	Scamorza Cheese
Country of Origin	Italy	Italy
Specific Origin	Sardinia (Italy), Southern Corsica (France)	Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy
Milk Type	Sheep's milk	Cow's milk
Texture	Soft, soft-ripened	Semi-soft
Rind	Natural	Natural
Aging	3 months	—
Taste	Intense, spicy	—

Taste Comparison: Does Casu marzu Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

Casu marzu Cheese can stand in for Scamorza 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.

Which Is Better, Casu marzu Cheese or Scamorza 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 profile, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Casu marzu Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Casu marzu Cheese is made from sheep milk; Scamorza Cheese uses cow.

Is Casu marzu Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

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

Does Casu marzu Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

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 Scamorza Cheese made of?

Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Casu marzu Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?

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