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Comté Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Comté Cheese
Provolone Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Provolone Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Provolone Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese and Provolone Cheese the same?"
- "How does Comté Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese or Provolone Cheese better?"
Comté Cheese Overview
Comté is a French cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. It is one of the most popular AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) cheeses, known for its complex flavors which can include hints of apricot, chocolate, butter, cream, hazelnuts, and toast. Comté is aged for a minimum of four months, with some wheels maturing for over a year to develop a deeper flavor profile.
Provolone Cheese Overview
Provolone is a well-known Italian cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes sharper and more robust with age. Made from cow's milk, this stretched-curd cheese can be aged from a few months to a year or more. Provolone is excellent for slicing, grating, or melting.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Comté Cheese comes from France. Provolone Cheese originated from Italy.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Comté Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1958). Provolone is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Provolone Cheese is made with cow milk.
Composition and Texture
Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". Provolone's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Provolone Cheese has a tangy taste. Provolone's aroma can be described as "pleasant".
Appearance and Aging
Comté Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow , is available in wide, flat wheels and is aged 4 months to 3 years . Provolone Cheese has a color of pale yellow .
Rind and Rennet Type
Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Comté is ranked #61 out of 996 types based on community views. Provolone is ranked #5 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Comté | Provolone | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | White Burgundy | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and Provolone pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Comté Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Jura | Not Specified |
| Certification | PDO (1996), AOC (1958) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Not Specified |
| Rind | Natural | Not Specified |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | Tangy |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Pleasant |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Pale yellow |
| Forms | Wide, flat wheels | Not Specified |
| Age | 4 months to 3 years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a semi-hard, artisan consistency, Provolone might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Provolone offers a tangy profile, ideal for different meals.
