Burrata Cheese vs Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese

Burrata Cheese is a soft, creamy cow or buffalo-milk cheese from Italy, while Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese, originating in Italy.

What Is Burrata Cheese?

Burrata is a fresh Italian cheese from Puglia with a pouch of stretched mozzarella curd around a filling of stracciatella and cream. Cut it open and the soft centre spills out, which is what it is known for.

What Is Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese?

Vastedda della Valle del Belice is a traditional Sicilian cheese that takes its name from vastedda, a Sicilian word also used for a Palermo bread. The Italian agriculture ministry lists it as a prodotto agroalimentare tradizionale.

What's the Difference Between Burrata Cheese and Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese?

• Milk type: Burrata Cheese (cow, occasionally water buffalo), Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese (Raw whole sheep’s milk)
• Milk treatment: Burrata Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese (Heated)
• Rind: Burrata Cheese (Thin), Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese (None (free from rind))
• Aging: Burrata Cheese (Within 48 hours), Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese (12 to 48 hours ready for consumption)
• Taste: Burrata Cheese (Mild, lactic), Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese (Lightly sourish but not spicy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Burrata Cheese Taste Like Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese brings lightly sourish but not spicy character. More specifically, Burrata Cheese shows creamy, rich, delicate; best enjoyed fresh, while Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese leans toward typical of fresh sheep’s cheeses, lightly sourish but not spicy. Aging plays into this as well. Burrata Cheese at within 48 hours develops a different profile than Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese at 12 to 48 hours ready for consumption.

Can You Substitute Burrata Cheese for Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese?

Burrata Cheese can stand in for Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic while Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese brings lightly sourish but not spicy notes.

Which Is Better, Burrata Cheese or Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Burrata Cheese suits recipes that want mild, lactic notes, while Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese fits dishes calling for lightly sourish but not spicy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Burrata Cheese the same as Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Burrata Cheese is typically aged within 48 hours, Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese 12 to 48 hours ready for consumption.

Is Burrata Cheese similar to Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Burrata Cheese for Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Burrata Cheese taste like Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese?

Burrata Cheese reads as mild, lactic, while Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese is lightly sourish but not spicy.

What is Burrata Cheese made of?

Burrata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged within 48 hours. It originates in Italy.

What is Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese made of?

Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese is made from sheep milk (heated), using lamb rennet. It's typically aged 12 to 48 hours ready for consumption. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Burrata Cheese or Vastedda della Valle del Belice Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.