Myzithra Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese
Myzithra Cheese is a soft, whey goat or sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Myzithra Cheese?
Mizithra is a Greek whey cheese made from sheep's or goat's milk and whey, produced mainly on Crete. It is sold fresh and soft like ricotta, or salted and dried into the grating cheese Greeks sprinkle over hot pasta.
What Is Scamorza Cheese?
Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.
What's the Difference Between Myzithra Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?
- Origin: Myzithra Cheese (Greece), Scamorza Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Myzithra Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Scamorza Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Myzithra Cheese (soft, whey), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Myzithra Cheese | Scamorza Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Crete, Greece | Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Soft, whey | Semi-soft |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | A few days for the fresh form | — |
| Taste | Mild | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Myzithra Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Myzithra Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
Myzithra Cheese can stand in for Scamorza Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, whey bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft.
Which Is Better, Myzithra Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, whey cheese, go with Myzithra Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Myzithra Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Myzithra Cheese originates in Greece, while Scamorza Cheese comes from Italy. Myzithra Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Scamorza Cheese uses cow.
Is Myzithra Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Myzithra Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Myzithra Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Myzithra Cheese made of?
Myzithra Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged a few days for the fresh form. It originates in Greece.
What is Scamorza Cheese made of?
Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Myzithra Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Myzithra Cheese is soft, whey, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft.