Provolone Cheese vs Saint André Cheese
Provolone Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Saint André Cheese is soft, soft-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Provolone Cheese?
Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a stretched curd. It runs from the very sharp piccante, aged at least four months, to the mild dolce.
What Is Saint André Cheese?
Saint-André is a French triple cream cow's milk cheese from Normandy, sold as a small 200 g (7.1 oz) cylinder under a powdery white bloomy rind. Cream added during making takes its fat content to around 75 percent, and it tastes like Brie turned up.
What's the Difference Between Provolone Cheese and Saint André Cheese?
- Origin: Provolone Cheese (Italy), Saint André Cheese (France)
- Texture: Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Saint André Cheese (soft, soft-ripened)
- Aging: Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante), Saint André Cheese (about 30 days)
- Taste: Provolone Cheese (tangy), Saint André Cheese (buttery, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Provolone Cheese | Saint André Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Campania, Italy | Normandy, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Soft, soft-ripened |
| Rind | — | Bloomy |
| Aging | At least 4 months for piccante | About 30 days |
| Taste | Tangy | Buttery, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Saint André Cheese?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Saint André Cheese brings buttery, tangy character. On the nose, Provolone Cheese offers pleasant, contrasted with Saint André Cheese's rich. Aging plays into this as well. Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante develops a different profile than Saint André Cheese at about 30 days.
Can You Substitute Provolone Cheese for Saint André Cheese?
In most recipes, Provolone Cheese and Saint André Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, soft-ripened. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese reads as tangy while Saint André Cheese brings buttery, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Provolone Cheese or Saint André Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, artisan cheese, go with Provolone Cheese. For a soft, soft-ripened profile, Saint André Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Saint André Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, tangy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Provolone Cheese the same as Saint André Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Provolone Cheese originates in Italy, while Saint André Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Provolone Cheese is typically aged at least 4 months for piccante, Saint André Cheese about 30 days.
Is Provolone Cheese similar to Saint André Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Saint André Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Provolone Cheese taste like Saint André Cheese?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Saint André Cheese is buttery, tangy. Aromas also diverge. Provolone Cheese leans pleasant, and Saint André Cheese is closer to rich.
What is Provolone Cheese made of?
Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged at least 4 months for piccante. It originates in Italy.
What is Saint André Cheese made of?
Saint André Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged about 30 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Provolone Cheese or Saint André Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Saint André Cheese is soft, soft-ripened.