Mixed Milk Cheese vs Ossau-Iraty Cheese
Mixed Milk Cheese is a cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo-milk cheese, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is homogeneous, uncooked, pressed and made from sheep milk, originating in France.
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 Is Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Ossau-Iraty is a sheep's milk cheese from the Northern Basque Country and Béarn in south-western France. Uncooked and pressed, it is smooth, creamy and firm, and has held appellation d'origine contrôlée status since 1980.
What's the Difference Between Mixed Milk Cheese and Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
- Milk type: Mixed Milk Cheese (cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (sheep's milk)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mixed Milk Cheese | Ossau-Iraty Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Béarn And Basque Country (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), And Three Communes In Hautes Pyrénées |
| Milk Type | Cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Homogeneous, uncooked, pressed |
| Rind | — | Natural, smooth, orange to gray |
| Aging | — | Minimum 80-120 days |
| Taste | — | Fruity, herbaceous, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Mixed Milk Cheese Taste Like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Mixed Milk Cheese for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Mixed Milk Cheese can stand in for Ossau-Iraty Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Mixed Milk Cheese or Ossau-Iraty 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 Mixed Milk Cheese the same as Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mixed Milk Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk; Ossau-Iraty Cheese uses sheep.
Is Mixed Milk Cheese similar to Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Mixed Milk Cheese for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Mixed Milk Cheese taste like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Mixed Milk Cheese made of?
Mixed Milk Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk.
What is Ossau-Iraty Cheese made of?
Ossau-Iraty Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum 80-120 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Mixed Milk Cheese or Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.