Esbareich Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Esbareich Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan sheep-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Esbareich Cheese?
Esbareich is a pressed uncooked sheep's milk cheese from the Barousse valley in the Hautes-Pyrénées. Dry-aged two to six months in a cool cellar, it tastes fruity and nutty under a smooth, pale natural rind.
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 Esbareich Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Esbareich Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Esbareich Cheese (sheep's milk), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
- Aging: Esbareich Cheese (2 to 6 months), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
- Taste: Esbareich Cheese (fruity, nutty), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Esbareich Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Barousse, Hautes-Pyrénées, France | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 2 to 6 months | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Fruity, nutty | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Esbareich Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Esbareich Cheese reads as fruity, nutty, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Esbareich Cheese offers strong, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Esbareich Cheese at 2 to 6 months develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Esbareich Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Esbareich Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Esbareich Cheese reads as fruity, nutty while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Esbareich Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Esbareich Cheese suits recipes that want fruity, nutty notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Esbareich Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Esbareich Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Esbareich Cheese is made from sheep milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Esbareich Cheese is typically aged 2 to 6 months, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Esbareich Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Esbareich Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Esbareich Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Esbareich Cheese reads as fruity, nutty, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Esbareich Cheese leans strong, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
What is Esbareich Cheese made of?
Esbareich Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 2 to 6 months. It originates in France.
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, Esbareich Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.