Naboulsi Cheese vs Pule Cheese
Naboulsi Cheese is a semi-hard, brined goat or sheep-milk cheese from Middle East and Palestine, while Pule Cheese is artisan, originating in Serbia.
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 Pule Cheese?
Pule, or magareći sir, is a Serbian cheese made from 60% Balkan donkey milk and 40% goat's milk at the Zasavica Nature Reserve. It is reported to be the world's most expensive cheese at US$1300 per kilogram.
What's the Difference Between Naboulsi Cheese and Pule Cheese?
- Origin: Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine), Pule Cheese (Serbia)
- Milk type: Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Pule Cheese (donkey's milk)
- Texture: Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined), Pule Cheese (artisan)
- Taste: Naboulsi Cheese (salty), Pule Cheese (nutty and earthy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Naboulsi Cheese | Pule Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Middle East And Palestine | Serbia |
| Specific Origin | Nablus, Palestine | Zasavica |
| Milk Type | Goat's or sheep's milk | Donkey's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semi-hard, brined | Artisan |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Taste | Salty | Nutty and earthy |
Taste Comparison: Does Naboulsi Cheese Taste Like Pule Cheese?
Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty, while Pule Cheese brings nutty and earthy character.
Can You Substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Pule Cheese?
Naboulsi Cheese can stand in for Pule 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 artisan. Flavor-wise, Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty while Pule Cheese brings nutty and earthy notes.
Which Is Better, Naboulsi Cheese or Pule 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 artisan profile, Pule Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Naboulsi Cheese suits recipes that want salty notes, while Pule Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty and earthy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Naboulsi Cheese the same as Pule Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Naboulsi Cheese originates in Middle East and Palestine, while Pule Cheese comes from Serbia.
Is Naboulsi Cheese similar to Pule Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Naboulsi Cheese for Pule Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Naboulsi Cheese taste like Pule Cheese?
Naboulsi Cheese reads as salty, while Pule Cheese is nutty and earthy.
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 Pule Cheese made of?
Pule Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Serbia.
Which should I choose, Naboulsi Cheese or Pule Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined, while Pule Cheese is artisan.