Provolone Cheese vs Soumaintrain Cheese
Provolone Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Soumaintrain Cheese is soft, artisan 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 Soumaintrain Cheese?
Soumaintrain is a soft washed-rind cow's milk cheese from Burgundy, made with raw or pasteurized milk. Brine washing every few days builds an orange rind and a very pronounced flavor.
What's the Difference Between Provolone Cheese and Soumaintrain Cheese?
- Origin: Provolone Cheese (Italy), Soumaintrain Cheese (France)
- Texture: Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Soumaintrain Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Aging: Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante), Soumaintrain Cheese (at least 21 days)
- Taste: Provolone Cheese (tangy), Soumaintrain Cheese (creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Provolone Cheese | Soumaintrain Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Campania, Italy | Burgundy (Côte-D'Or And Yonne) And Aube, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | — | Washed |
| Aging | At least 4 months for piccante | At least 21 days |
| Taste | Tangy | Creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Soumaintrain Cheese?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Soumaintrain Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Provolone Cheese offers pleasant, contrasted with Soumaintrain Cheese's rich. Aging plays into this as well. Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante develops a different profile than Soumaintrain Cheese at at least 21 days.
Can You Substitute Provolone Cheese for Soumaintrain Cheese?
In most recipes, Provolone Cheese and Soumaintrain 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, artisan. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese reads as tangy while Soumaintrain Cheese brings creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Provolone Cheese or Soumaintrain 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, artisan profile, Soumaintrain Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Soumaintrain Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Provolone Cheese the same as Soumaintrain Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Provolone Cheese originates in Italy, while Soumaintrain Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Provolone Cheese is typically aged at least 4 months for piccante, Soumaintrain Cheese at least 21 days.
Is Provolone Cheese similar to Soumaintrain Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Soumaintrain Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Provolone Cheese taste like Soumaintrain Cheese?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Soumaintrain Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Provolone Cheese leans pleasant, and Soumaintrain 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 Soumaintrain Cheese made of?
Soumaintrain Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 21 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Provolone Cheese or Soumaintrain Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Soumaintrain Cheese is soft, artisan.