Provolone Cheese vs Selles-sur-Cher Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Selles-sur-Cher Cheese
Provolone Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is fine and firm and made from goat 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 Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
Selles-sur-Cher is a goat milk cheese from Centre-Val de Loire, France, first made in the 19th century in the commune it is named for. It comes as a small charcoal-dusted cylinder of about 150 g, known for its grey-blue mould rind and lightly salty paste.
What's the Difference Between Provolone Cheese and Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
- Origin: Provolone Cheese (Italy), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Provolone Cheese (cow's milk), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Whole goat’s milk)
- Texture: Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Fine and firm)
- Aging: Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Ten days minimum)
- Taste: Provolone Cheese (tangy), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Fresh, hazelnut)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Provolone Cheese | Selles-sur-Cher Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Campania, Italy | Sologne, North-Central France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Whole goat’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Fine and firm |
| Rind | — | Ash-coated, light to dark ash |
| Aging | At least 4 months for piccante | Ten days minimum |
| Taste | Tangy | Fresh, hazelnut |
Taste Comparison: Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese brings fresh, hazelnut character. On the nose, Provolone Cheese offers pleasant, contrasted with Selles-sur-Cher Cheese's fresh goat, mushroom hints. Aging plays into this as well. Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante develops a different profile than Selles-sur-Cher Cheese at ten days minimum.
Can You Substitute Provolone Cheese for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
Provolone Cheese can stand in for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for fine and firm. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese reads as tangy while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese brings fresh, hazelnut notes.
Which Is Better, Provolone Cheese or Selles-sur-Cher 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 fine and firm profile, Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese fits dishes calling for fresh, hazelnut.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Provolone Cheese the same as Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Provolone Cheese originates in Italy, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese comes from France. Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk; Selles-sur-Cher Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Provolone Cheese is typically aged at least 4 months for piccante, Selles-sur-Cher Cheese ten days minimum.
Is Provolone Cheese similar to Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Provolone Cheese taste like Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is fresh, hazelnut. Aromas also diverge. Provolone Cheese leans pleasant, and Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is closer to fresh goat, mushroom hints.
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 Selles-sur-Cher Cheese made of?
Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized), using small amount rennet. It's typically aged ten days minimum. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Provolone Cheese or Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is fine and firm.