Provolone del Monaco Cheese vs Reblochon Cheese
Provolone del Monaco Cheese is a compact with eyes cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Provolone del Monaco Cheese?
Provolone del Monaco is a semi-hard cheese from the Sorrentine Peninsula of Italy, made from the milk of local Agerolese cows. Aged for a minimum of six months, it develops a strong, sharp flavor with earthy and nutty undertones. Its name, meaning "Monk's Provolone," refers to the cloak-like cover traditionally used during the aging process.
What Is Reblochon Cheese?
Reblochon is a soft washed-rind and smear-ripened French cheese from the Alps region of Savoy. The cheese has a creamy, nutty taste under its orange-colored rind. It was traditionally made using the second milking of cows, which produces a richer milk. Reblochon is famously used in the dish "tartiflette," a gratin made with potatoes, bacon, and onions.
What's the Difference Between Provolone del Monaco Cheese and Reblochon Cheese?
- Origin: Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Italy), Reblochon Cheese (France)
- Texture: Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Compact with eyes), Reblochon Cheese (Ivory-colored, creamy and supple)
- Rind: Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Thin and smooth pale-yellow), Reblochon Cheese (Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold)
- Aging: Provolone del Monaco Cheese (At least 6 months), Reblochon Cheese (3 to 4 months)
- Taste: Provolone del Monaco Cheese (Sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste), Reblochon Cheese (creamy, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Provolone del Monaco Cheese | Reblochon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Municipalities In The Metropolitan City Of Naples | Haute-Savoie And Savoie |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Raw whole cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Compact with eyes | Ivory-colored, creamy and supple |
| Rind | Thin and smooth pale-yellow | Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold |
| Aging | At least 6 months | 3 to 4 months |
| Taste | Sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste | Creamy, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Provolone del Monaco Cheese Taste Like Reblochon Cheese?
Provolone del Monaco Cheese reads as sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste, while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty character. Aging plays into this as well. Provolone del Monaco Cheese at at least 6 months develops a different profile than Reblochon Cheese at 3 to 4 months.
Can You Substitute Provolone del Monaco Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?
In most recipes, Provolone del Monaco Cheese and Reblochon Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect compact with eyes bite and body where the recipe calls for ivory-colored, creamy and supple. Flavor-wise, Provolone del Monaco Cheese reads as sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Provolone del Monaco Cheese or Reblochon Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a compact with eyes cheese, go with Provolone del Monaco Cheese. For a ivory-colored, creamy and supple profile, Reblochon Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Provolone del Monaco Cheese suits recipes that want sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste notes, while Reblochon Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, nutty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Provolone del Monaco Cheese the same as Reblochon Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Provolone del Monaco Cheese originates in Italy, while Reblochon Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Provolone del Monaco Cheese is typically aged at least 6 months, Reblochon Cheese 3 to 4 months.
Is Provolone del Monaco Cheese similar to Reblochon Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Provolone del Monaco Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Provolone del Monaco Cheese taste like Reblochon Cheese?
Provolone del Monaco Cheese reads as sweet and buttery aroma with a pleasant spicy taste, while Reblochon Cheese is creamy, nutty.
What is Provolone del Monaco Cheese made of?
Provolone del Monaco Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using kid rennet paste or calf liquid rennet or a combination of both rennet. It's typically aged at least 6 months. It originates in Italy.
What is Reblochon Cheese made of?
Reblochon Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using natural rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Provolone del Monaco Cheese or Reblochon Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Provolone del Monaco Cheese is compact with eyes, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple.