Idiazabal Cheese vs Tuma Persa Cheese

Idiazabal Cheese is a semi-hard, elastic sheep-milk cheese from Spain, while Tuma Persa Cheese is semi-hard, crumbly, creamy and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

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 Tuma Persa Cheese?

Tuma Persa, meaning "lost cheese," is a rare cheese from Sicily, Italy, made from raw cow's milk. This cheese is aged for several months, developing a firm texture and a strong, spicy flavor with hints of saffron and black peppercorn, making it a unique addition to any cheese platter.

What's the Difference Between Idiazabal Cheese and Tuma Persa Cheese?

• Origin: Idiazabal Cheese (Spain), Tuma Persa Cheese (Italy)
• Milk type: Idiazabal Cheese (Sheep's milk), Tuma Persa Cheese (Cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Idiazabal Cheese (Raw), Tuma Persa Cheese (Thermized)
• Texture: Idiazabal Cheese (Semi-hard, elastic), Tuma Persa Cheese (Semi-hard, crumbly, creamy)
• Rind: Idiazabal Cheese (Hard, smooth), Tuma Persa Cheese (Ochre-color, darkens with olive oil and pepper)
• Aging: Idiazabal Cheese (60 days), Tuma Persa Cheese (8 months)
• Taste: Idiazabal Cheese (Intense, slightly piquant), Tuma Persa Cheese (Sweet and spicy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Idiazabal Cheese Taste Like Tuma Persa Cheese?

Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant, while Tuma Persa Cheese brings sweet and spicy character. On the nose, Idiazabal Cheese offers lactic, roasted, animal, nutty, vegetable, contrasted with Tuma Persa Cheese's good, peculiarly aromatic aftertaste. More specifically, Idiazabal Cheese shows ranging from lactic and roasted notes to distinctive "acid" aromas due to lipolytic activity., while Tuma Persa Cheese leans toward sweet and spicy, not salty or bitter, aromatic aftertaste, balance of mold flavors. Aging plays into this as well. Idiazabal Cheese at 60 days develops a different profile than Tuma Persa Cheese at 8 months.

Can You Substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Tuma Persa Cheese?

Idiazabal Cheese can stand in for Tuma Persa Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, elastic bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, crumbly, creamy. Flavor-wise, Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant while Tuma Persa Cheese brings sweet and spicy notes.

Which Is Better, Idiazabal Cheese or Tuma Persa Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, elastic cheese, go with Idiazabal Cheese. For a semi-hard, crumbly, creamy profile, Tuma Persa Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Idiazabal Cheese suits recipes that want intense, slightly piquant notes, while Tuma Persa Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet and spicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Idiazabal Cheese the same as Tuma Persa Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Idiazabal Cheese originates in Spain, while Tuma Persa Cheese comes from Italy. Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk; Tuma Persa Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Idiazabal Cheese is typically aged 60 days, Tuma Persa Cheese 8 months.

Is Idiazabal Cheese similar to Tuma Persa Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Tuma Persa Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Idiazabal Cheese taste like Tuma Persa Cheese?

Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant, while Tuma Persa Cheese is sweet and spicy. Aromas also diverge. Idiazabal Cheese leans lactic, roasted, animal, nutty, vegetable, and Tuma Persa Cheese is closer to good, peculiarly aromatic aftertaste.

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 Tuma Persa Cheese made of?

Tuma Persa Cheese is made from cow milk (thermized), using kid rennet. It's typically aged 8 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Idiazabal Cheese or Tuma Persa Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Idiazabal Cheese is semi-hard, elastic, while Tuma Persa Cheese is semi-hard, crumbly, creamy.