Niolo Cheese vs Pule Cheese
Niolo Cheese is a soft goat or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Pule Cheese is artisan, originating in Serbia.
What Is Niolo Cheese?
Niolo is a Corsican sheep's or goat's milk cheese made only in the Niolo region, the high valley of the Golo. It is a flat square tomme with a washed ivory rind and a sticky paste that runs from mild to sharp or strong after 3 to 4 months in a damp cellar.
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 Niolo Cheese and Pule Cheese?
- Origin: Niolo Cheese (France), Pule Cheese (Serbia)
- Milk type: Niolo Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk), Pule Cheese (donkey's milk)
- Texture: Niolo Cheese (soft), Pule Cheese (artisan)
- Taste: Niolo Cheese (mild, sharp or strong depending on aging), Pule Cheese (nutty and earthy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Niolo Cheese | Pule Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Serbia |
| Specific Origin | Casamaccioli, Corsica | Zasavica |
| Milk Type | Goat's or sheep's milk | Donkey's milk |
| Texture | Soft | Artisan |
| Rind | Washed | — |
| Aging | 3 to 4 months | — |
| Taste | Mild, sharp or strong depending on aging | Nutty and earthy |
Taste Comparison: Does Niolo Cheese Taste Like Pule Cheese?
Niolo Cheese reads as mild, sharp or strong depending on aging, while Pule Cheese brings nutty and earthy character. More specifically, Niolo Cheese shows animal and spicy notes from damp cellar aging, while Pule Cheese leans toward nutty and earthy, reputedly similar to manchego.
Can You Substitute Niolo Cheese for Pule Cheese?
Niolo Cheese can stand in for Pule Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for artisan. Flavor-wise, Niolo Cheese reads as mild, sharp or strong depending on aging while Pule Cheese brings nutty and earthy notes.
Which Is Better, Niolo Cheese or Pule Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Niolo Cheese. For a artisan profile, Pule Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Niolo Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sharp or strong depending on aging notes, while Pule Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty and earthy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Niolo Cheese the same as Pule Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Niolo Cheese originates in France, while Pule Cheese comes from Serbia.
Is Niolo Cheese similar to Pule Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Niolo Cheese for Pule Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Niolo Cheese taste like Pule Cheese?
Niolo Cheese reads as mild, sharp or strong depending on aging, while Pule Cheese is nutty and earthy.
What is Niolo Cheese made of?
Niolo Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in France.
What is Pule Cheese made of?
Pule Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Serbia.
Which should I choose, Niolo Cheese or Pule Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Niolo Cheese is soft, while Pule Cheese is artisan.