Livno Cheese vs Swaledale Ewes' Cheese
Livno Cheese is a solid cow and sheep-milk cheese from Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly and made from sheep milk.
What Is Livno Cheese?
Livno is a cheese from the Livno area of Bosnia and Herzegovina, first made in the 19th century using the French method for Gruyère. It is made mostly from a mix of sheep's and cow's milk, with a robust flavor that turns tangy with longer aging.
What Is Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
Swaledale Ewes Cheese is a full-fat hard cheese made from ewe’s milk in Swaledale, North Yorkshire. It has a cylindrical shape, a firm and crumbly texture, and a natural white color. The cheese is either coated in a greenish-blue-grey mold or sealed with black wax. Made entirely by hand, the traditional production process includes pressing, brining for 24 hours, and a maturation period of 3 to 4 weeks. The cheese has been produced in the region for centuries using a closely guarded recipe passed down through generations. The distinct flavor is influenced by the local pastures, which provide a unique mix of herbs and grasses for the sheep.
What's the Difference Between Livno Cheese and Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
- Milk type: Livno Cheese (Sheep’s and cow’s milk), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Sheep)
- Texture: Livno Cheese (Solid), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Hard, firm, crumbly)
- Aging: Livno Cheese (6 to 12 weeks (54–59°F [12–15°C] and humidity of 70–85%)), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (3 to 4 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Livno Cheese | Swaledale Ewes' Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Bosnia And Herzegovina | — |
| Specific Origin | Livno Area | Swaledale, North Yorkshire |
| Milk Type | Sheep’s and cow’s milk | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Heated | — |
| Texture | Solid | Hard, firm, crumbly |
| Rind | — | Greenish-blue-grey mold or black wax coating |
| Aging | 6 to 12 weeks (54–59°F [12–15°C] and humidity of 70–85%) | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Taste | Mildly milky sour, moderately salty and piquant | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Livno Cheese Taste Like Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Livno Cheese at 6 to 12 weeks (54–59°f [12–15°c] and humidity of 70–85%) develops a different profile than Swaledale Ewes' Cheese at 3 to 4 weeks.
Can You Substitute Livno Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
Livno Cheese can stand in for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect solid bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, firm, crumbly.
Which Is Better, Livno Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a solid cheese, go with Livno Cheese. For a hard, firm, crumbly profile, Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Livno Cheese the same as Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Livno Cheese is made from cow and sheep milk; Swaledale Ewes' Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Livno Cheese is typically aged 6 to 12 weeks (54–59°f [12–15°c] and humidity of 70–85%), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese 3 to 4 weeks.
Is Livno Cheese similar to Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Livno Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Livno Cheese taste like Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Livno Cheese made of?
Livno Cheese is made from cow and sheep milk (heated), using natural calf rennet powd rennet. It's typically aged 6 to 12 weeks (54–59°f [12–15°c] and humidity of 70–85%). It originates in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
What is Swaledale Ewes' Cheese made of?
Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 to 4 weeks.
Which should I choose, Livno Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Livno Cheese is solid, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly.