Herve Cheese vs Pule Cheese
Herve Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from Belgium, while Pule Cheese is artisan, originating in Serbia.
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 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 Herve Cheese and Pule Cheese?
- Origin: Herve Cheese (Belgium), Pule Cheese (Serbia)
- Milk type: Herve Cheese (cow's milk), Pule Cheese (donkey's milk)
- Texture: Herve Cheese (soft, artisan), Pule Cheese (artisan)
- Taste: Herve Cheese (smooth, spicy), Pule Cheese (nutty and earthy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Herve Cheese | Pule Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Belgium | Serbia |
| Specific Origin | Herve, Province Of Liège, Belgium | Zasavica |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Donkey's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Artisan |
| Rind | Washed | — |
| Aging | About 3 months | — |
| Taste | Smooth, spicy | Nutty and earthy |
Taste Comparison: Does Herve Cheese Taste Like Pule Cheese?
Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy, while Pule Cheese brings nutty and earthy character. More specifically, Herve Cheese shows sweet when young, spicy with age, while Pule Cheese leans toward nutty and earthy, reputedly similar to manchego.
Can You Substitute Herve Cheese for Pule Cheese?
Herve Cheese can stand in for Pule 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 artisan. Flavor-wise, Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy while Pule Cheese brings nutty and earthy notes.
Which Is Better, Herve Cheese or Pule 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 artisan profile, Pule Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Herve Cheese suits recipes that want smooth, spicy notes, while Pule Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty and earthy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herve Cheese the same as Pule Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Herve Cheese originates in Belgium, while Pule Cheese comes from Serbia.
Is Herve Cheese similar to Pule Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Herve Cheese for Pule Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Herve Cheese taste like Pule Cheese?
Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy, while Pule Cheese is nutty and earthy.
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 Pule Cheese made of?
Pule Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Serbia.
Which should I choose, Herve Cheese or Pule Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Herve Cheese is soft, artisan, while Pule Cheese is artisan.