Casu marzu Cheese vs Stawley Cheese

Casu marzu Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Stawley Cheese is soft 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 Stawley Cheese?

Stawley is a soft cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Somerset, England. It has a pale yellow color and a mold-ripened rind that contributes to its unique aroma of mushroom and nutty scents. The flavor profile of Stawley includes notes of caramel, floral, milky, and sweet, creating a pleasant and balanced taste experience. Its soft texture makes it easy to spread or enjoy on its own. Ideal for cheese boards, it pairs well with fresh bread or a light wine. This cheese reflects the traditional methods and quality of the region's cheesemaking.

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

• Origin: Casu marzu Cheese (Italy), Stawley Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
• Milk type: Casu marzu Cheese (sheep's milk), Stawley Cheese (goat's milk)
• Texture: Casu marzu Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Stawley Cheese (soft)
• Rind: Casu marzu Cheese (natural), Stawley Cheese (mold ripened)
• Taste: Casu marzu Cheese (intense, spicy), Stawley Cheese (caramel, floral, milky, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet character.

Can You Substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Stawley Cheese?

Casu marzu Cheese can stand in for Stawley 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 soft. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Casu marzu Cheese or Stawley 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 soft profile, Stawley Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Casu marzu Cheese suits recipes that want intense, spicy notes, while Stawley Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, floral, milky, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Casu marzu Cheese the same as Stawley Cheese?

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

Is Casu marzu Cheese similar to Stawley Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Casu marzu Cheese for Stawley Cheese?

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

Does Casu marzu Cheese taste like Stawley Cheese?

Casu marzu Cheese reads as intense, spicy, while Stawley Cheese is caramel, floral, milky, sweet.

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 Stawley Cheese made of?

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

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

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