Herve Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese
Herve Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from Belgium, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 Scamorza Cheese?
Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.
What's the Difference Between Herve Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?
- Origin: Herve Cheese (Belgium), Scamorza Cheese (Italy)
- Texture: Herve Cheese (soft, artisan), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)
- Rind: Herve Cheese (washed), Scamorza Cheese (natural)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Herve Cheese | Scamorza Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Belgium | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Herve, Province Of Liège, Belgium | Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Washed | Natural |
| Aging | About 3 months | — |
| Taste | Smooth, spicy | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Herve Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Herve Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
In most recipes, Herve Cheese and Scamorza 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 semi-soft.
Which Is Better, Herve Cheese or Scamorza 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 semi-soft profile, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herve Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Herve Cheese originates in Belgium, while Scamorza Cheese comes from Italy.
Is Herve Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Herve Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Herve Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Scamorza Cheese made of?
Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Herve Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Herve Cheese is soft, artisan, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft.