Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol, also known simply as Chavignol, is a cheese made from raw whole goat's milk. It originates from France and is protected under the designation of origin (PDO). The cheese is shaped like a flat cylinder and has a thin rind that can be ivory-colored with or without white or blue molds. The cheese is known for its lactic coagulation process with a small amount of rennet added. It has a fat content of at least 45% of the dry matter and a total dry matter content between 37g and 48g per cheese. The cheese is matured for at least 10 days, and a special version called "repassé" is matured in a confined atmosphere to develop a blue Penicillium mold.
What Is Provolone Cheese?
Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a stretched curd. It runs from the very sharp piccante, aged at least four months, to the mild dolce.
What's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Milk type: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Goat's milk), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
- Aging: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Minimum maturing period of 10 days), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | — | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds | — |
| Aging | Minimum maturing period of 10 days | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | — | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese at minimum maturing period of 10 days develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese made of?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (raw), using small quantity added rennet. It's typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged at least 4 months for piccante. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.