Requeson vs Ricotta Cheese
Requeson is a fresh soft, whey cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Brazil and Portugal, while Ricotta Cheese is soft, moist and made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, originating in Italy.
What Is Requeson?
Requeson, better known as requeijão, is a whey cheese made in Portugal and Brazil. It is close to ricotta and turns up in cheese spreads and in pastries such as queijada.
What Is Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta is an Italian whey cheese made from the leftover whey of sheep, cow, goat, or water buffalo milk cheesemaking. The fresh curds are creamy white and slightly sweet, and they turn up in cannoli and cheesecakes as readily as in lasagne and ravioli.
What's the Difference Between Requeson and Ricotta Cheese?
- Origin: Requeson (Brazil and Portugal), Ricotta Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Requeson (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Ricotta Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk)
- Milk treatment: Requeson (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Ricotta Cheese (Whey)
- Texture: Requeson (fresh soft, whey), Ricotta Cheese (Soft, moist)
- Rind: Requeson (rindless), Ricotta Cheese (None)
- Taste: Requeson (salty, strong), Ricotta Cheese (Sweet, slightly creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Requeson | Ricotta Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Brazil And Portugal | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Portugal And Brazil | Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Whey |
| Texture | Fresh soft, whey | Soft, moist |
| Rind | Rindless | None |
| Aging | — | Fresh |
| Taste | Salty, strong | Sweet, slightly creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Requeson Taste Like Ricotta Cheese?
Requeson reads as salty, strong, while Ricotta Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy character. On the nose, Requeson offers fresh, contrasted with Ricotta Cheese's mild.
Can You Substitute Requeson for Ricotta Cheese?
Requeson can stand in for Ricotta Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect fresh soft, whey bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, moist. Flavor-wise, Requeson reads as salty, strong while Ricotta Cheese brings sweet, slightly creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Requeson or Ricotta Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh soft, whey cheese, go with Requeson. For a soft, moist profile, Ricotta Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Requeson suits recipes that want salty, strong notes, while Ricotta Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, slightly creamy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Requeson the same as Ricotta Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Requeson originates in Brazil and Portugal, while Ricotta Cheese comes from Italy. Requeson is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Ricotta Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo.
Is Requeson similar to Ricotta Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Requeson for Ricotta Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Requeson taste like Ricotta Cheese?
Requeson reads as salty, strong, while Ricotta Cheese is sweet, slightly creamy. Aromas also diverge. Requeson leans fresh, and Ricotta Cheese is closer to mild.
What is Requeson made of?
Requeson is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Brazil and Portugal.
What is Ricotta Cheese made of?
Ricotta Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (whey), using animal or microbial rennet. It's typically aged fresh. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Requeson or Ricotta Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Requeson is fresh soft, whey, while Ricotta Cheese is soft, moist.