Idiazabal Cheese vs Mixed Milk Cheese
Idiazabal Cheese is a firm, slightly elastic sheep-milk cheese from Spain, while Mixed Milk Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese.
What Is Idiazabal Cheese?
Idiazabal is a pressed sheep's milk cheese from the Basque Country, made with unpasteurized milk and named after a town in Gipuzkoa. It is usually sold unsmoked, tastes strong and slightly piquant, and has held a Denomination of Origin since 1987.
What Is Mixed Milk Cheese?
Mixed milk cheese is any cheese made from more than one type of milk, such as cow, goat, sheep or buffalo. Feta, Scamorza, Wensleydale, Faisselle and Corsican farmhouse cheeses all belong to this group.
What's the Difference Between Idiazabal Cheese and Mixed Milk Cheese?
- Milk type: Idiazabal Cheese (Sheep), Mixed Milk Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Idiazabal Cheese | Mixed Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | — |
| Specific Origin | Basque Country, Navarre | — |
| Milk Type | Sheep | Cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Firm, slightly elastic | — |
| Rind | Hard, smooth | — |
| Aging | 60 days | — |
| Taste | Intense, slightly piquant | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Idiazabal Cheese Taste Like Mixed Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Mixed Milk Cheese?
Idiazabal Cheese can stand in for Mixed Milk Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Idiazabal Cheese or Mixed Milk Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Idiazabal Cheese the same as Mixed Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk; Mixed Milk Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo.
Is Idiazabal Cheese similar to Mixed Milk Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Mixed Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Idiazabal Cheese taste like Mixed Milk Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Idiazabal Cheese made of?
Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw), using traditional lamb rennet. It's typically aged 60 days. It originates in Spain.
What is Mixed Milk Cheese made of?
Mixed Milk Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
Which should I choose, Idiazabal Cheese or Mixed Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.