Scamorza Cheese vs Selles-sur-Cher Cheese
Scamorza Cheese
Selles-sur-Cher Cheese
Scamorza Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is fine and firm and made from goat milk, originating in France.
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 Is Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
Selles-sur-Cher is a goat milk cheese from Centre-Val de Loire, France, first made in the 19th century in the commune it is named for. It comes as a small charcoal-dusted cylinder of about 150 g, known for its grey-blue mould rind and lightly salty paste.
What's the Difference Between Scamorza Cheese and Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
- Origin: Scamorza Cheese (Italy), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Scamorza Cheese (cow's milk), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Whole goat’s milk)
- Texture: Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Fine and firm)
- Rind: Scamorza Cheese (natural), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Ash-coated, light to dark ash)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Scamorza Cheese | Selles-sur-Cher Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy | Sologne, North-Central France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Whole goat’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft | Fine and firm |
| Rind | Natural | Ash-coated, light to dark ash |
| Aging | — | Ten days minimum |
| Taste | — | Fresh, hazelnut |
Taste Comparison: Does Scamorza Cheese Taste Like Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Scamorza Cheese for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
Scamorza Cheese can stand in for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for fine and firm.
Which Is Better, Scamorza Cheese or Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Scamorza Cheese. For a fine and firm profile, Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scamorza Cheese the same as Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Scamorza Cheese originates in Italy, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese comes from France. Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk; Selles-sur-Cher Cheese uses goat.
Is Scamorza Cheese similar to Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Scamorza Cheese for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Scamorza Cheese taste like Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Scamorza Cheese made of?
Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
What is Selles-sur-Cher Cheese made of?
Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized), using small amount rennet. It's typically aged ten days minimum. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Scamorza Cheese or Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is fine and firm.