Laruns Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Laruns Cheese is a soft, artisan sheep-milk cheese from France, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Laruns Cheese?
Laruns is a French cheese originating from the region of Laruns. Made from unpasteurized sheep's milk, it is known for its soft, artisan texture. The flavor profile is a balanced mix of acidic, mild, nutty, salty, and sweet notes, making it a versatile choice for various pairings. It has a mild aroma that complements its straw-colored appearance. The cheese is wrapped in a natural rind, adding to its rustic appeal. Laruns is a prime example of traditional sheep's milk cheese, offering a gentle yet flavorful tasting experience.
What Is Provolone Cheese?
Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a stretched curd. It runs from the very sharp piccante, aged at least four months, to the mild dolce.
What's the Difference Between Laruns Cheese and Provolone Cheese?
- Origin: Laruns Cheese (France), Provolone Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Laruns Cheese (sheep's milk), Provolone Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Laruns Cheese (soft, artisan), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Laruns Cheese (acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet), Provolone Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Laruns Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Laruns | Campania, Italy |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | — | At least 4 months for piccante |
| Taste | Acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Laruns Cheese Taste Like Provolone Cheese?
Laruns Cheese reads as acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet, while Provolone Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Laruns Cheese offers mild, contrasted with Provolone Cheese's pleasant.
Can You Substitute Laruns Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
Laruns Cheese can stand in for Provolone 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 semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Laruns Cheese reads as acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet while Provolone Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Laruns Cheese or Provolone 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 Laruns Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Laruns Cheese suits recipes that want acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet notes, while Provolone Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Laruns Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Laruns Cheese originates in France, while Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Laruns Cheese is made from sheep milk; Provolone Cheese uses cow.
Is Laruns Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Laruns Cheese for Provolone Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Laruns Cheese taste like Provolone Cheese?
Laruns Cheese reads as acidic, mild, nutty, salty, sweet, while Provolone Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Laruns Cheese leans mild, and Provolone Cheese is closer to pleasant.
What is Laruns Cheese made of?
Laruns Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged at least 4 months for piccante. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Laruns Cheese or Provolone Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Laruns Cheese is soft, artisan, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.