Saint-Nectaire Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese
Saint-Nectaire Cheese is a soft and tender cow-milk cheese from France, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.
What Is Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Saint-Nectaire is a pressed cow's milk cheese from the volcanic hills around the Monts-Dore in Auvergne, France. It ages on rye straw for at least 28 days and is known for its soft, creamy paste and hint of hazelnut.
What Is Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.
What's the Difference Between Saint-Nectaire Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?
- Milk type: Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Cow’s milk (Holstein, Montbéliarde, sometimes Salers)), Sheep's Milk Cheese (sheep)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Saint-Nectaire Cheese | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Sancy, Auvergne | — |
| Milk Type | Cow’s milk (Holstein, Montbéliarde, sometimes Salers) | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier | — |
| Texture | Soft and tender | — |
| Rind | Washed-rind | — |
| Aging | At least twenty-eight days | — |
| Taste | Delicate hazelnut | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Saint-Nectaire Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Saint-Nectaire Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Saint-Nectaire Cheese can stand in for Sheep's Milk Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Saint-Nectaire Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Saint-Nectaire Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Saint-Nectaire Cheese is made from cow milk; Sheep's Milk Cheese uses sheep.
Is Saint-Nectaire Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Saint-Nectaire Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Saint-Nectaire Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Saint-Nectaire Cheese made of?
Saint-Nectaire Cheese is made from cow milk (raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier). It's typically aged at least twenty-eight days. It originates in France.
What is Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?
Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.
Which should I choose, Saint-Nectaire Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.