Fromage Frais Cheese vs Piave Cheese
Fromage Frais Cheese
Piave Cheese
Fromage Frais Cheese is a fresh cheese from France, while Piave Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
Buy Fromage Frais Cheese
Buy Piave Cheese
What Is Fromage Frais Cheese?
Fromage frais is an acid-coagulated fresh cheese from northern France and southern Belgium, sold with its live cultures still active. It looks and eats much like yogurt, and turns up in desserts, on bread under jam, and in savoury cooking.
What Is Piave Cheese?
Piave is a hard, cooked curd cow's milk cheese from the province of Belluno in the far north of Veneto, named after the Piave river. It carries DOP protection and comes at five ages, from a 20 day Fresco to a Riserva aged past 18 months that grates like young Parmesan.
What's the Difference Between Fromage Frais Cheese and Piave Cheese?
- Origin: Fromage Frais Cheese (France), Piave Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Fromage Frais Cheese (Fresh), Piave Cheese (Hard)
- Taste: Fromage Frais Cheese (milky, smooth), Piave Cheese (Nutty, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fromage Frais Cheese | Piave Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Northern France And Southern Belgium | Northern Veneto |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Fresh | Hard |
| Rind | — | Soft and clear to hard and brown |
| Aging | — | Twenty to sixty days (Fresco) to over eighteen months (Vecchio Riserva) |
| Taste | Milky, smooth | Nutty, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Fromage Frais Cheese Taste Like Piave Cheese?
Fromage Frais Cheese reads as milky, smooth, while Piave Cheese brings nutty, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Fromage Frais Cheese for Piave Cheese?
Fromage Frais Cheese can stand in for Piave Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect fresh bite and body where the recipe calls for hard. Flavor-wise, Fromage Frais Cheese reads as milky, smooth while Piave Cheese brings nutty, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Fromage Frais Cheese or Piave Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh cheese, go with Fromage Frais Cheese. For a hard profile, Piave Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fromage Frais Cheese suits recipes that want milky, smooth notes, while Piave Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fromage Frais Cheese the same as Piave Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fromage Frais Cheese originates in France, while Piave Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Fromage Frais Cheese similar to Piave Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fromage Frais Cheese for Piave Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Fromage Frais Cheese taste like Piave Cheese?
Fromage Frais Cheese reads as milky, smooth, while Piave Cheese is nutty, sweet.
What is Fromage Frais Cheese made of?
Fromage Frais Cheese is made from milk. It originates in France.
What is Piave Cheese made of?
Piave Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged twenty to sixty days (fresco) to over eighteen months (vecchio riserva). It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Fromage Frais Cheese or Piave Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh, while Piave Cheese is hard.