Pérail Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese

Q: Is Pérail Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

No. Pérail Cheese and Scamorza Cheese are distinct cheeses from France and Italy respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Pérail Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Pérail Cheese for Scamorza Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Does Pérail Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. See the side-by-side table above for details.

Q: Which should I choose, Pérail Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Pérail Cheese

Scamorza Cheese

Pérail Cheese is a soft sheep-milk cheese from France, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Pérail Cheese?

Pérail is a soft sheep's milk cheese from Aveyron in southern France, sold in small rounds with an ivory, wrinkly rind. Older wheels taste distinctly sheepy.

What Is Scamorza Cheese?

Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.

What's the Difference Between Pérail Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?

Origin: Pérail Cheese (France), Scamorza Cheese (Italy)
Milk type: Pérail Cheese (sheep), Scamorza Cheese (cow's milk)
Texture: Pérail Cheese (soft), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)
Rind: Pérail Cheese (wrinkly, mainly Geotrichum candidum), Scamorza Cheese (natural)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Pérail Cheese	Scamorza Cheese
Country of Origin	France	Italy
Specific Origin	Aveyron, France	Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy
Milk Type	Sheep	Cow's milk
Texture	Soft	Semi-soft
Rind	Wrinkly, mainly Geotrichum candidum	Natural
Aging	2 to 8 weeks	—
Taste	Distinctly sheepy in older cheeses	—

Taste Comparison: Does Pérail Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct.

Can You Substitute Pérail Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

Pérail Cheese can stand in for Scamorza 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 semi-soft.

Which Is Better, Pérail Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Pérail Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pérail Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Pérail Cheese originates in France, while Scamorza Cheese comes from Italy. Pérail Cheese is made from sheep milk; Scamorza Cheese uses cow.

Is Pérail Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Pérail Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Pérail Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Pérail Cheese made of?

Pérail Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 2 to 8 weeks. It originates in France.

What is Scamorza Cheese made of?

Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Pérail Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pérail Cheese is soft, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft.