Frinault Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Frinault Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Frinault Cheese?
Frinault is a soft cheese from the countryside around Orléans in France, made with pasteurized whole cow's milk at 50% fat. It comes as a small 120 g disc in three versions: plain, ash-ripened Frinault cendré, and the longer-aged Frinault sec.
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 Frinault Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Frinault Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Frinault Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Aging: Frinault Cheese (about 2 weeks), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)
- Taste: Frinault Cheese (spicy), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Frinault Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Orléans Area, Loiret, Centre-Val De Loire, France | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | About 2 weeks | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Spicy | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Frinault Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Frinault Cheese reads as spicy, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Frinault Cheese offers fermented, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Frinault Cheese at about 2 weeks develops a different profile than Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.
Can You Substitute Frinault Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
In most recipes, Frinault Cheese and Provolone Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, soft-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Frinault Cheese reads as spicy while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Frinault Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, soft-ripened cheese, go with Frinault Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Frinault Cheese suits recipes that want spicy notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frinault Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Frinault Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Frinault Cheese is typically aged about 2 weeks, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.
Is Frinault Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Frinault Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Frinault Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Frinault Cheese reads as spicy, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Frinault Cheese leans fermented, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
What is Frinault Cheese made of?
Frinault Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged about 2 weeks. 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, Frinault Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Frinault Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.