San Simón da Costa Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese
San Simón da Costa Cheese is a semi-hard and creamy, with small irregular holes cow-milk cheese, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
What Is San Simón da Costa Cheese?
San Simón da Costa is a smoked cow's milk cheese from the Terra Chá region of Galicia, Spain. It is pressed into a pear shape, smoked over birch wood, and has held Protected Designation of Origin status since 2008.
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 San Simón da Costa Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?
- Texture: San Simón da Costa Cheese (semi-hard and creamy, with small irregular holes), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)
- Rind: San Simón da Costa Cheese (smooth, hard, waxy, brown, 1 to 3 mm thick), Scamorza Cheese (natural)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| San Simón da Costa Cheese | Scamorza Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Terra Chá, Galicia, Spain | Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw or pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semi-hard and creamy, with small irregular holes | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Smooth, hard, waxy, brown, 1 to 3 mm thick | Natural |
| Aging | At least 30 days ('bufón') or 45 days | — |
| Taste | Mild, slightly salty, smoky | — |
Taste Comparison: Does San Simón da Costa Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute San Simón da Costa Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
In most recipes, San Simón da Costa Cheese and Scamorza Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-hard and creamy, with small irregular holes bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft.
Which Is Better, San Simón da Costa Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard and creamy, with small irregular holes cheese, go with San Simón da Costa Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Simón da Costa Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is San Simón da Costa Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute San Simón da Costa Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does San Simón da Costa Cheese taste like Scamorza Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is San Simón da Costa Cheese made of?
San Simón da Costa Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged at least 30 days ('bufón') or 45 days.
What is Scamorza Cheese made of?
Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, San Simón da Costa Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. San Simón da Costa Cheese is semi-hard and creamy, with small irregular holes, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft.