Provolone Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese

Provolone Cheese

Roquefort Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Provolone Cheese and Roquefort Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Provolone Cheese and Roquefort Cheese?"
  • "Is Provolone Cheese and Roquefort Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Provolone Cheese compare to Roquefort Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Provolone Cheese compare to Roquefort Cheese?"
  • "Is Provolone Cheese or Roquefort Cheese better?"

Provolone Cheese Overview

Provolone is a well-known Italian cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes sharper and more robust with age. Made from cow's milk, this stretched-curd cheese can be aged from a few months to a year or more. Provolone is excellent for slicing, grating, or melting.

Roquefort Cheese Overview

Roquefort is a famous blue cheese from the south of France, made from sheep's milk. It is known for its strong, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture. The cheese is ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where it develops its characteristic blue veins from the mold Penicillium roqueforti.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Provolone Cheese comes from Italy. Roquefort Cheese originated from France.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Provolone is not a protected cheese. Roquefort Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1925).

Milk Type and Treatment

Provolone Cheese is made with cow milk. Roquefort Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Provolone's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan". Roquefort's texture can be described as "moist, very creamy".

Taste and Aroma

Provolone Cheese has a tangy taste. Provolone's aroma can be described as "pleasant". Roquefort Cheese has a mild to strong taste. Roquefort's aroma can be described as "sweet".

Appearance and Aging

Provolone Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow . Roquefort Cheese has a color of blue-veined , comes in wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil and has an aging period of minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Roquefort Cheese uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Provolone is ranked #5 out of 996 types based on community views. Roquefort is ranked #22 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Provolone Roquefort
Best Pairings Pastrami, Salami Bordeaux
Other Good Pairings Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey Barleywine, Beaujolais, Madeira, Port

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Provolone and Roquefort pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Provolone Cheese Roquefort Cheese
Country of Origin Italy France
Specific Origin Not Specified Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, South Of France
Certification Not Specified PDO (1996), AOC (1925)
Milk Type Cow's milk Sheep's milk
Milk Treatment Not Specified Unpasteurized
Texture Semi-hard, artisan Moist, very creamy
Taste Tangy Mild to strong
Aroma Pleasant Sweet
Colors Pale yellow Blue-veined
Forms Not Specified Wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil
Age Not Specified Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months
Rennet Type Not Specified Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-hard, artisan cheese, go for Provolone. But if you enjoy a moist, very creamy consistency, Roquefort might be the better pick. Provolone has a tangy taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Roquefort offers a mild to strong profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Provolone Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Roquefort Cheese to Other Cheeses

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