Afuega'l Pitu Cheese vs Exmoor Blue Cheese
Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is a different varieties based on form, shape, and aging cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft and made from cow milk.
What Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese?
Afuega'l Pitu is among the oldest Spanish cheeses, originating from Asturias. It is known for its striking red or orange rind and a spicy, tangy flavor profile. This cheese can be made from either pasteurized or unpasteurized cow's milk and has a unique, crumbly texture that sharpens as it ages.
What Is Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a full-fat soft blue-veined cheese made from unpasteurized Jersey cow’s milk in Devon and Somerset, England. It has a rich yellow color and a buttery texture, with an average fat content of 34%. The cheese has been handmade on Willet Farm since 1986, using traditional methods. It undergoes a maturation period of 3 to 6 weeks, during which it is regularly turned and treated with Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium candidum to develop its distinctive blue veining. The lush pasture of the region, influenced by the warm, wet climate and red sandstone soil, contributes to the rich flavor of the milk used in production.
What's the Difference Between Afuega'l Pitu Cheese and Exmoor Blue Cheese?
- Texture: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (Different varieties based on form, shape, and aging), Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (White soft and rough in briefly ripened cheeses; moist, yellowish brown with moldy blue or white areas in ripened cheeses), Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum)
- Aging: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (Fresh to mid-ripened), Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Afuega'l Pitu Cheese | Exmoor Blue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | — |
| Specific Origin | Asturias | Devon And Somerset, England |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Different varieties based on form, shape, and aging | Soft |
| Rind | White soft and rough in briefly ripened cheeses; moist, yellowish brown with moldy blue or white areas in ripened cheeses | Treated with Penicillium candidum |
| Aging | Fresh to mid-ripened | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Afuega'l Pitu Cheese Taste Like Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Afuega'l Pitu Cheese at fresh to mid-ripened develops a different profile than Exmoor Blue Cheese at 3 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Afuega'l Pitu Cheese for Exmoor Blue Cheese?
In most recipes, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese and Exmoor Blue Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect different varieties based on form, shape, and aging bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.
Which Is Better, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese or Exmoor Blue Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a different varieties based on form, shape, and aging cheese, go with Afuega'l Pitu Cheese. For a soft profile, Exmoor Blue Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese the same as Exmoor Blue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is typically aged fresh to mid-ripened, Exmoor Blue Cheese 3 to 6 weeks.
Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese similar to Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Afuega'l Pitu Cheese for Exmoor Blue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Afuega'l Pitu Cheese taste like Exmoor Blue Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese made of?
Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using very small amounts of calf rennet. It's typically aged fresh to mid-ripened. It originates in Spain.
What is Exmoor Blue Cheese made of?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 6 weeks.
Which should I choose, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese or Exmoor Blue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is different varieties based on form, shape, and aging, while Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft.