Farmstead Cheese vs San Michali Cheese
Farmstead Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes and made from cow milk, originating in Greece.
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 San Michali Cheese?
San Michali is a hard cow's milk cheese from the Greek island of Syros, aged at least four months. It carries PDO status, tastes salty and piquant, and is one of the most expensive cheeses in Greece.
What's the Difference Between Farmstead Cheese and San Michali Cheese?
- Milk type: Farmstead Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo), San Michali Cheese (Cow’s milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Farmstead Cheese | San Michali Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Europe And North America | Island Of Syros |
| Milk Type | Cow, goat, sheep, sometimes water buffalo | Cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Compact, with very small irregular holes |
| Rind | — | Often covered with paraffin |
| Aging | — | At least four months |
| Taste | — | Salty, peppery |
Taste Comparison: Does Farmstead Cheese Taste Like San Michali Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Farmstead Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
Farmstead Cheese can stand in for San Michali Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Farmstead Cheese or San Michali 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 San Michali Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Farmstead Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; San Michali Cheese uses cow.
Is Farmstead Cheese similar to San Michali Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Farmstead Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Farmstead Cheese taste like San Michali 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 San Michali Cheese made of?
San Michali Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least four months. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Farmstead Cheese or San Michali Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.