Montasio-Style Cheese vs Penamellera Cheese
Montasio-Style Cheese is a cheese, while Penamellera Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, originating in Spain.
What Is Montasio-Style Cheese?
Montasio-Style cheese is a semi-hard cheese originally from the Friuli Venezia Giulia and Veneto regions of Italy. It is made from cow's milk and has a smooth, pale yellow rind. The cheese typically ages for several months, developing a firm texture and a mild, nutty flavor. Younger Montasio-Style cheese is creamy and slightly tangy, while aged versions become crumbly with a more pronounced sharpness. It is often used in cooking, grated over pasta dishes or melted in traditional recipes. Montasio-Style cheese pairs well with fruity white wines and is enjoyed as part of a cheese platter.
What Is Penamellera Cheese?
Penamellera is a small Asturian cheese made mostly from cow's milk, sometimes with goat's or sheep's milk added. It is known for the grid pattern left on its rind by the hazel rods it dries on, and for a slightly acidic, faintly bitter flavor.
What's the Difference Between Montasio-Style Cheese and Penamellera Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Montasio-Style Cheese | Penamellera Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Spain |
| Specific Origin | — | Asturias, Spain |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | — | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | — | 10 to 15 days |
| Taste | — | Acidic, bitter, herbaceous |
Taste Comparison: Does Montasio-Style Cheese Taste Like Penamellera Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Montasio-Style Cheese for Penamellera Cheese?
Montasio-Style Cheese can stand in for Penamellera Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Montasio-Style Cheese or Penamellera 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 Montasio-Style Cheese the same as Penamellera Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Montasio-Style Cheese similar to Penamellera Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Montasio-Style Cheese for Penamellera Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Montasio-Style Cheese taste like Penamellera Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Montasio-Style Cheese made of?
Montasio-Style Cheese is made from milk.
What is Penamellera Cheese made of?
Penamellera Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 10 to 15 days. It originates in Spain.
Which should I choose, Montasio-Style Cheese or Penamellera Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.