Montasio Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese
Montasio Cheese is a elastic to crumbly and hard cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.
What Is Montasio Cheese?
Montasio is a cow's milk mountain cheese from Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Veneto in northeastern Italy, made on the Montasio plateau since 1200. It is semi-hard and creamy when young, and harder after longer aging.
What Is Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.
What's the Difference Between Montasio Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?
- Milk type: Montasio Cheese (cow's milk), Sheep's Milk Cheese (sheep)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Montasio Cheese | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Fruili-Venezia Giulia And Parts Of Belluno, Treviso, Padua, And Venice In Veneto | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Elastic to crumbly and hard | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Fresco: 60-120 days; Mezzano: 120 days-10 months; Stagionato: 10-18 months; Stravecchio: over 18 months | — |
| Taste | Mild, creamy, and fruity to savory, piquant, with hints of spice | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Montasio Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Montasio Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Montasio Cheese can stand in for Sheep's Milk Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Montasio Cheese or Sheep's Milk 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 Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Montasio Cheese is made from cow milk; Sheep's Milk Cheese uses sheep.
Is Montasio Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Montasio Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Montasio Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Montasio Cheese made of?
Montasio Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged fresco: 60-120 days; mezzano: 120 days-10 months; stagionato: 10-18 months; stravecchio: over 18 months. It originates in Italy.
What is Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?
Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.
Which should I choose, Montasio Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.