Farmstead Cheese vs Ossau-Iraty Cheese
Farmstead Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is homogeneous, uncooked, pressed and made from sheep milk, originating in France.
What Is Farmstead Cheese?
Farmstead cheese, called farmhouse cheese in Europe, is made on the same farm that produced the milk. No outside milk is allowed, so each one tastes like the herd and land behind it.
What Is Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Ossau-Iraty is a sheep's milk cheese from the Northern Basque Country and Béarn in south-western France. Uncooked and pressed, it is smooth, creamy and firm, and has held appellation d'origine contrôlée status since 1980.
What's the Difference Between Farmstead Cheese and Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
- Milk type: Farmstead Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (sheep's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Farmstead Cheese | Ossau-Iraty Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | Europe And North America | Béarn And Basque Country (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), And Three Communes In Hautes Pyrénées |
| Milk Type | Cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Homogeneous, uncooked, pressed |
| Rind | — | Natural, smooth, orange to gray |
| Aging | — | Minimum 80-120 days |
| Taste | — | Fruity, herbaceous, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Farmstead Cheese Taste Like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Farmstead Cheese for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Farmstead Cheese can stand in for Ossau-Iraty Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Farmstead Cheese or Ossau-Iraty 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 Farmstead Cheese the same as Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Ossau-Iraty Cheese uses sheep.
Is Farmstead Cheese similar to Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Farmstead Cheese for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Farmstead Cheese taste like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Farmstead Cheese made of?
Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
What is Ossau-Iraty Cheese made of?
Ossau-Iraty Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum 80-120 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Farmstead Cheese or Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.