Ossau-Iraty Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese
Ossau-Iraty Cheese is a homogeneous, uncooked, pressed sheep-milk cheese from France, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.
What Is Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Ossau-Iraty is a sheep's milk cheese from the Northern Basque Country and Béarn in south-western France. Uncooked and pressed, it is smooth, creamy and firm, and has held appellation d'origine contrôlée status since 1980.
What Is Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.
What's the Difference Between Ossau-Iraty Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Ossau-Iraty Cheese | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Béarn And Basque Country (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), And Three Communes In Hautes Pyrénées | — |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Homogeneous, uncooked, pressed | — |
| Rind | Natural, smooth, orange to gray | — |
| Aging | Minimum 80-120 days | — |
| Taste | Fruity, herbaceous, nutty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Ossau-Iraty Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Ossau-Iraty Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
In most recipes, Ossau-Iraty Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over.
Which Is Better, Ossau-Iraty Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ossau-Iraty Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Ossau-Iraty Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Ossau-Iraty Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Ossau-Iraty Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Ossau-Iraty Cheese made of?
Ossau-Iraty Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum 80-120 days. It originates in France.
What is Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?
Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.
Which should I choose, Ossau-Iraty Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.