Herve Cheese vs Lisnati Cheese

Herve Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from Belgium, while Lisnati Cheese is soft, elastic, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Montenegro.

What Is Herve Cheese?

Herve is a Belgian washed rind cheese made from raw cow's milk in the countryside near Liège, where it has been produced since the 15th century. It is known for the powerful smell that Brevibacterium linens gives it after about three months of ripening.

What Is Lisnati Cheese?

Lisnati is a cheese from Montenegro known for its layered texture, similar to phyllo dough. It is made from cow's milk and has a mild, buttery flavor. This cheese is typically used in baking and is also served during special occasions and celebrations.

What's the Difference Between Herve Cheese and Lisnati Cheese?

• Origin: Herve Cheese (Belgium), Lisnati Cheese (Montenegro)
• Texture: Herve Cheese (soft, artisan), Lisnati Cheese (Soft, Elastic, Smooth)
• Aging: Herve Cheese (about 3 months), Lisnati Cheese (Immediate or left for ripening)
• Taste: Herve Cheese (smooth, spicy), Lisnati Cheese (Mild Sour)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Herve Cheese Taste Like Lisnati Cheese?

Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy, while Lisnati Cheese brings mild sour character. On the nose, Herve Cheese offers pungent, strong, contrasted with Lisnati Cheese's mild sour. More specifically, Herve Cheese shows sweet when young, spicy with age, while Lisnati Cheese leans toward porcelain white, thin slices like a sheet of paper or leaf. Aging plays into this as well. Herve Cheese at about 3 months develops a different profile than Lisnati Cheese at immediate or left for ripening.

Can You Substitute Herve Cheese for Lisnati Cheese?

In most recipes, Herve Cheese and Lisnati Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, elastic, smooth. Flavor-wise, Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy while Lisnati Cheese brings mild sour notes.

Which Is Better, Herve Cheese or Lisnati 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 Herve Cheese. For a soft, elastic, smooth profile, Lisnati Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Herve Cheese suits recipes that want smooth, spicy notes, while Lisnati Cheese fits dishes calling for mild sour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Herve Cheese the same as Lisnati Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Herve Cheese originates in Belgium, while Lisnati Cheese comes from Montenegro. Aging also differs: Herve Cheese is typically aged about 3 months, Lisnati Cheese immediate or left for ripening.

Is Herve Cheese similar to Lisnati Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Herve Cheese for Lisnati Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Herve Cheese taste like Lisnati Cheese?

Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy, while Lisnati Cheese is mild sour. Aromas also diverge. Herve Cheese leans pungent, strong, and Lisnati Cheese is closer to mild sour.

What is Herve Cheese made of?

Herve Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged about 3 months. It originates in Belgium.

What is Lisnati Cheese made of?

Lisnati Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged immediate or left for ripening. It originates in Montenegro.

Which should I choose, Herve Cheese or Lisnati Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Herve Cheese is soft, artisan, while Lisnati Cheese is soft, elastic, smooth.