Kanafeh Cheese vs Pérail Cheese
Kanafeh Cheese is a soft cheese from Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey, while Pérail Cheese is soft and made from sheep milk, originating in France.
What Is Kanafeh Cheese?
Knafeh is an Arab dessert of spun kadayif pastry layered with soft white cheese and soaked in sugar syrup. Nablus in Palestine is known for its version, made with the city's firm, salty Nabulsi cheese and served hot under crushed pistachios.
What Is Pérail Cheese?
Pérail is a soft sheep's milk cheese from Aveyron in southern France, sold in small rounds with an ivory, wrinkly rind. Older wheels taste distinctly sheepy.
What's the Difference Between Kanafeh Cheese and Pérail Cheese?
- Origin: Kanafeh Cheese (Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey), Pérail Cheese (France)
- Taste: Kanafeh Cheese (sweet), Pérail Cheese (distinctly sheepy in older cheeses)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Kanafeh Cheese | Pérail Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria And Turkey | France |
| Specific Origin | Levant | Aveyron, France |
| Milk Type | — | Sheep |
| Texture | Soft | Soft |
| Rind | — | Wrinkly, mainly Geotrichum candidum |
| Aging | — | 2 to 8 weeks |
| Taste | Sweet | Distinctly sheepy in older cheeses |
Taste Comparison: Does Kanafeh Cheese Taste Like Pérail Cheese?
Kanafeh Cheese reads as sweet, while Pérail Cheese brings distinctly sheepy in older cheeses character.
Can You Substitute Kanafeh Cheese for Pérail Cheese?
Kanafeh Cheese can stand in for Pérail Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Kanafeh Cheese reads as sweet while Pérail Cheese brings distinctly sheepy in older cheeses notes.
Which Is Better, Kanafeh Cheese or Pérail Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Kanafeh Cheese suits recipes that want sweet notes, while Pérail Cheese fits dishes calling for distinctly sheepy in older cheeses.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kanafeh Cheese the same as Pérail Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Kanafeh Cheese originates in Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey, while Pérail Cheese comes from France.
Is Kanafeh Cheese similar to Pérail Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Kanafeh Cheese for Pérail Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Kanafeh Cheese taste like Pérail Cheese?
Kanafeh Cheese reads as sweet, while Pérail Cheese is distinctly sheepy in older cheeses.
What is Kanafeh Cheese made of?
Kanafeh Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Azerbaijan, Egypt, Greece, Iran, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Turkey.
What is Pérail Cheese made of?
Pérail Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 2 to 8 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Kanafeh Cheese or Pérail Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.