Provolone Cheese vs Swaledale Ewes' Cheese
Provolone Cheese
Swaledale Ewes' Cheese
Provolone Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly and made from sheep milk.
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 Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
Swaledale Ewes Cheese is a full-fat hard cheese made from ewe’s milk in Swaledale, North Yorkshire. It has a cylindrical shape, a firm and crumbly texture, and a natural white color. The cheese is either coated in a greenish-blue-grey mold or sealed with black wax. Made entirely by hand, the traditional production process includes pressing, brining for 24 hours, and a maturation period of 3 to 4 weeks. The cheese has been produced in the region for centuries using a closely guarded recipe passed down through generations. The distinct flavor is influenced by the local pastures, which provide a unique mix of herbs and grasses for the sheep.
What's the Difference Between Provolone Cheese and Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
- Milk type: Provolone Cheese (cow's milk), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Sheep)
- Texture: Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Hard, firm, crumbly)
- Aging: Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (3 to 4 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Provolone Cheese | Swaledale Ewes' Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Campania, Italy | Swaledale, North Yorkshire |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Hard, firm, crumbly |
| Rind | — | Greenish-blue-grey mold or black wax coating |
| Aging | At least 4 months for piccante | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Taste | Tangy | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Provolone Cheese Taste Like Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante develops a different profile than Swaledale Ewes' Cheese at 3 to 4 weeks.
Can You Substitute Provolone Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
Provolone Cheese can stand in for Swaledale Ewes' 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 hard, firm, crumbly.
Which Is Better, Provolone Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' 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 hard, firm, crumbly profile, Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Provolone Cheese the same as Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk; Swaledale Ewes' Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Provolone Cheese is typically aged at least 4 months for piccante, Swaledale Ewes' Cheese 3 to 4 weeks.
Is Provolone Cheese similar to Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Provolone Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Provolone Cheese taste like Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Swaledale Ewes' Cheese made of?
Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 to 4 weeks.
Which should I choose, Provolone Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly.