Formaggio di capra Cheese vs Pule Cheese
Formaggio di capra Cheese is a soft when fresh, dry and brittle when well aged goat-milk cheese from Italy, while Pule Cheese is artisan, originating in Serbia.
What Is Formaggio di capra Cheese?
Formaggio di capra is a cheese made by transforming goat's milk. It is sold fresh or ripened, sometimes rolled in ash, and it carries the tangy, goaty taste that comes from the fatty acids in goat milk.
What Is Pule Cheese?
Pule, or magareći sir, is a Serbian cheese made from 60% Balkan donkey milk and 40% goat's milk at the Zasavica Nature Reserve. It is reported to be the world's most expensive cheese at US$1300 per kilogram.
What's the Difference Between Formaggio di capra Cheese and Pule Cheese?
- Origin: Formaggio di capra Cheese (Italy), Pule Cheese (Serbia)
- Milk type: Formaggio di capra Cheese (goat's milk), Pule Cheese (donkey's milk)
- Texture: Formaggio di capra Cheese (soft when fresh, dry and brittle when well aged), Pule Cheese (artisan)
- Taste: Formaggio di capra Cheese (tangy), Pule Cheese (nutty and earthy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Formaggio di capra Cheese | Pule Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Serbia |
| Specific Origin | — | Zasavica |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Donkey's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Soft when fresh, dry and brittle when well aged | Artisan |
| Rind | Sometimes ash-coated | — |
| Taste | Tangy | Nutty and earthy |
Taste Comparison: Does Formaggio di capra Cheese Taste Like Pule Cheese?
Formaggio di capra Cheese reads as tangy, while Pule Cheese brings nutty and earthy character. More specifically, Formaggio di capra Cheese shows characteristic goat taste from caproic, caprylic and capric fatty acids, while Pule Cheese leans toward nutty and earthy, reputedly similar to manchego.
Can You Substitute Formaggio di capra Cheese for Pule Cheese?
Formaggio di capra Cheese can stand in for Pule Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft when fresh, dry and brittle when well aged bite and body where the recipe calls for artisan. Flavor-wise, Formaggio di capra Cheese reads as tangy while Pule Cheese brings nutty and earthy notes.
Which Is Better, Formaggio di capra Cheese or Pule Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft when fresh, dry and brittle when well aged cheese, go with Formaggio di capra Cheese. For a artisan profile, Pule Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Formaggio di capra Cheese suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Pule Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty and earthy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Formaggio di capra Cheese the same as Pule Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Formaggio di capra Cheese originates in Italy, while Pule Cheese comes from Serbia.
Is Formaggio di capra Cheese similar to Pule Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Formaggio di capra Cheese for Pule Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Formaggio di capra Cheese taste like Pule Cheese?
Formaggio di capra Cheese reads as tangy, while Pule Cheese is nutty and earthy.
What is Formaggio di capra Cheese made of?
Formaggio di capra Cheese is made from goat milk (raw), using animal rennet. It originates in Italy.
What is Pule Cheese made of?
Pule Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Serbia.
Which should I choose, Formaggio di capra Cheese or Pule Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Formaggio di capra Cheese is soft when fresh, dry and brittle when well aged, while Pule Cheese is artisan.