Naboulsi Cheese vs Pasta Filata Cheese
Naboulsi Cheese is a semi-hard, brined goat or sheep-milk cheese from Middle East and Palestine, while Pasta Filata Cheese is soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous and made from cow or buffalo milk.
What Is Naboulsi Cheese?
Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.
What Is Pasta Filata Cheese?
Pasta filata is the Italian spun-curd technique behind mozzarella, provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza. Fresh curd is kneaded in hot water until it turns soft, elastic and stringy, which gives the finished cheese its fibrous structure.
What's the Difference Between Naboulsi Cheese and Pasta Filata Cheese?
- Milk type: Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Pasta Filata Cheese (cow, water buffalo)
- Texture: Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined), Pasta Filata Cheese (soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Naboulsi Cheese | Pasta Filata Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Middle East And Palestine | — |
| Specific Origin | Nablus, Palestine | Italy |
| Milk Type | Goat's or sheep's milk | Cow, water buffalo |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semi-hard, brined | Soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | — | Fresh for mozzarella, aged for provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza |
| Taste | Salty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Naboulsi Cheese Taste Like Pasta Filata Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Pasta Filata Cheese?
Naboulsi Cheese can stand in for Pasta Filata Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous.
Which Is Better, Naboulsi Cheese or Pasta Filata Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, brined cheese, go with Naboulsi Cheese. For a soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous profile, Pasta Filata Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Naboulsi Cheese the same as Pasta Filata Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; Pasta Filata Cheese uses cow or buffalo.
Is Naboulsi Cheese similar to Pasta Filata Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Pasta Filata Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Naboulsi Cheese taste like Pasta Filata Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Naboulsi Cheese made of?
Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.
What is Pasta Filata Cheese made of?
Pasta Filata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk. It's typically aged fresh for mozzarella, aged for provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza.
Which should I choose, Naboulsi Cheese or Pasta Filata Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined, while Pasta Filata Cheese is soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous.