Afuega'l Pitu Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is a different varieties based on form, shape, and aging cow-milk cheese from Spain, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
What Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese?
Afuega'l pitu is an unpasteurized cow's milk cheese from Asturias in northern Spain, sold plain white or paprika red. Its name translates as "strangle the chicken," and it holds Protected Designation of Origin status from Spain and the EU.
What Is West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a firm cow's milk cheese made by traditional methods in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Its name has been protected in the EU and UK since 2007, and only milk from those four counties may be used.
What's the Difference Between Afuega'l Pitu Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (unpasteurized), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (Different varieties based on form, shape, and aging), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- 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), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
- Aging: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (Fresh to mid-ripened), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese (Lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Afuega'l Pitu Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | — |
| Specific Origin | Asturias | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Different varieties based on form, shape, and aging | Firm |
| Rind | White soft and rough in briefly ripened cheeses; moist, yellowish brown with moldy blue or white areas in ripened cheeses | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | Fresh to mid-ripened | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Afuega'l Pitu Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Afuega'l Pitu Cheese reads as lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese shows sweet or hot spanish paprika in the roxu (red) version, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese leans toward sharp and pungent, often slightly earthy, with a hazelnut note and large calcium lactate crystals when well matured. Aging plays into this as well. Afuega'l Pitu Cheese at fresh to mid-ripened develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Afuega'l Pitu Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm. Flavor-wise, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese reads as lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese suits recipes that want lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses notes, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Afuega'l Pitu Cheese is typically aged fresh to mid-ripened, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Afuega'l Pitu Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Afuega'l Pitu Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Afuega'l Pitu Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Afuega'l Pitu Cheese reads as lactic, slightly sour, salted in fresh or hardly ripened cheeses; strong and spicy as ripening progresses, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese made of?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum 9 months.
Which should I choose, Afuega'l Pitu Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.