Provolone Cheese vs Strathdon Blue Cheese
Provolone Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in Scotland.
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 Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Strathdon Blue is a full-fat blue cheese made in Tain, Scotland, by Highland Fine Cheeses. It is made with pasteurised milk and vegetarian rennet, tastes tangy, and won a gold medal at the 2007 British Cheese Awards.
What's the Difference Between Provolone Cheese and Strathdon Blue Cheese?
- Origin: Provolone Cheese (Italy), Strathdon Blue Cheese (Scotland)
- Texture: Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Strathdon Blue Cheese (semi-soft, blue-veined)
- Taste: Provolone Cheese (tangy), Strathdon Blue Cheese (creamy, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Provolone Cheese | Strathdon Blue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Scotland |
| Specific Origin | Campania, Italy | Tain, Scotland |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Semi-soft, blue-veined |
| Aging | At least 4 months for piccante | — |
| Taste | Tangy | Creamy, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Strathdon Blue Cheese brings creamy, salty character. On the nose, Provolone Cheese offers pleasant, contrasted with Strathdon Blue Cheese's rich.
Can You Substitute Provolone Cheese for Strathdon Blue Cheese?
In most recipes, Provolone Cheese and Strathdon Blue 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 semi-soft, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese reads as tangy while Strathdon Blue Cheese brings creamy, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Provolone Cheese or Strathdon Blue 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 semi-soft, blue-veined profile, Strathdon Blue Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Provolone Cheese suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Strathdon Blue Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, salty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Provolone Cheese the same as Strathdon Blue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Provolone Cheese originates in Italy, while Strathdon Blue Cheese comes from Scotland.
Is Provolone Cheese similar to Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Strathdon Blue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Provolone Cheese taste like Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Provolone Cheese reads as tangy, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is creamy, salty. Aromas also diverge. Provolone Cheese leans pleasant, and Strathdon Blue 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 Strathdon Blue Cheese made of?
Strathdon Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It originates in Scotland.
Which should I choose, Provolone Cheese or Strathdon Blue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined.