Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese vs San Michali Cheese
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is a firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals cow-milk cheese, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes and made from cow milk, originating in Greece.
What Is Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese?
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar is a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) cheese made in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It is crafted using local milk and a unique dry stir technique developed in 1984, which gives it a firm, dense texture. The cheese matures for 6 to 18 months, creating medium, mature, and extra mature varieties with savory, nutty flavors. The production process includes hand-salting the curd for even distribution and controlled maturation for consistent quality. Orkney Cheddar has won multiple awards and is known for its excellent melting properties. It is available in both white and colored forms, with the latter containing a vegetable-based pigment.
What Is San Michali Cheese?
San Michali is a unique cow's milk cheese from the island of Syros in Greece. It is known for its distinct aroma and sharp, spicy flavor, often compared to Parmesan. San Michali is the only PDO cheese from the Cyclades and is highly prized in Greek cuisine, often grated over dishes or eaten on its own.
What's the Difference Between Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese and San Michali Cheese?
- Texture: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (Firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals), San Michali Cheese (Compact, with very small irregular holes)
- Rind: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (None), San Michali Cheese (Often covered with paraffin)
- Aging: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (6 to 18 months), San Michali Cheese (At least four months)
- Taste: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (Savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging), San Michali Cheese (Salty, peppery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese | San Michali Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Orkney Islands, North Of Scotland | Island Of Syros |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals | Compact, with very small irregular holes |
| Rind | None | Often covered with paraffin |
| Aging | 6 to 18 months | At least four months |
| Taste | Savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging | Salty, peppery |
Taste Comparison: Does Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese Taste Like San Michali Cheese?
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese reads as savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging, while San Michali Cheese brings salty, peppery character. Aging plays into this as well. Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese at 6 to 18 months develops a different profile than San Michali Cheese at at least four months.
Can You Substitute Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
In most recipes, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese and San Michali Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals bite and body where the recipe calls for compact, with very small irregular holes. Flavor-wise, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese reads as savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging while San Michali Cheese brings salty, peppery notes.
Which Is Better, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese or San Michali Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals cheese, go with Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese. For a compact, with very small irregular holes profile, San Michali Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging notes, while San Michali Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, peppery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese the same as San Michali Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is typically aged 6 to 18 months, San Michali Cheese at least four months.
Is Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese similar to San Michali Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese taste like San Michali Cheese?
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese reads as savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging, while San Michali Cheese is salty, peppery.
What is Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese made of?
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 to 18 months.
What is San Michali Cheese made of?
San Michali Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least four months. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese or San Michali Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes.