Requeson vs Scamorza Cheese
Requeson is a fresh soft, whey cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Brazil and Portugal, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow 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 Scamorza Cheese?
Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.
What's the Difference Between Requeson and Scamorza Cheese?
- Origin: Requeson (Brazil and Portugal), Scamorza Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Requeson (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Scamorza Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Requeson (fresh soft, whey), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)
- Rind: Requeson (rindless), Scamorza Cheese (natural)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Requeson | Scamorza Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Brazil And Portugal | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Portugal And Brazil | Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Fresh soft, whey | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Rindless | Natural |
| Taste | Salty, strong | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Requeson Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Requeson for Scamorza Cheese?
Requeson can stand in for Scamorza 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 semi-soft.
Which Is Better, Requeson or Scamorza 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 semi-soft profile, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Requeson the same as Scamorza Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Requeson originates in Brazil and Portugal, while Scamorza Cheese comes from Italy. Requeson is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Scamorza Cheese uses cow.
Is Requeson similar to Scamorza Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Requeson for Scamorza Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Requeson taste like Scamorza Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Scamorza Cheese made of?
Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Requeson or Scamorza Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Requeson is fresh soft, whey, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft.