Figue Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Figue Cheese is a soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Figue Cheese?
Figue is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in the Provence region of France. It has a creamy white color and a natural rind. Known for its full-flavored and sour taste, Figue offers a rich experience for those who enjoy goat's milk cheeses. Its aromatic, milky scent enhances its appeal, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts. The cheese is often shaped like a small fig, which is reflected in its name. Enjoy it on a cheese board or paired with fresh bread and a glass of wine to appreciate its flavorful profile.
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 Figue Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Figue Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Figue Cheese (goat's milk), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Figue Cheese (soft, artisan), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Figue Cheese (full-flavored, sour), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Figue Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Provence | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | — | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Full-flavored, sour | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Figue Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Figue Cheese offers aromatic, milky, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant.
Can You Substitute Figue Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Figue Cheese can stand in for Provolone Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Figue Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Figue Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese suits recipes that want full-flavored, sour notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Figue Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Figue Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Figue Cheese is made from goat milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow.
Is Figue Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Figue Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Figue Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Figue Cheese leans aromatic, milky, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
What is Figue Cheese made of?
Figue Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). 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, Figue Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Figue Cheese is soft, artisan, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.