Aged Cheese vs Blue Cheese
Aged Cheese is a cheese, while Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in France.
What Is Aged Cheese?
Aged cheese is cheese that has gone through ripening, the stage after manufacture when enzymes, bacteria and moulds build its taste, texture and body. Ripening runs from about three weeks to more than two years, and all cheese except fresh cheese gets it.
What Is Blue Cheese?
Blue cheese is any cheese made with edible mold cultures that form blue-green spots and veins through the paste. It ranges from mild and slightly sweet to salty and sharp, and from almost liquid to hard.
What's the Difference Between Aged Cheese and Blue Cheese?
- Aging: Aged Cheese (three weeks to two or more years), Blue Cheese (Typically aged 2-6 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aged Cheese | Blue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Milk Type | — | Cow, Sheep, Goat |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized or Raw |
| Texture | — | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | Three weeks to two or more years | Typically aged 2-6 months |
| Taste | — | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent |
Taste Comparison: Does Aged Cheese Taste Like Blue Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Aged Cheese at three weeks to two or more years develops a different profile than Blue Cheese at typically aged 2-6 months.
Can You Substitute Aged Cheese for Blue Cheese?
Aged Cheese can stand in for Blue Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Aged Cheese or Blue Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aged Cheese the same as Blue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Aged Cheese is typically aged three weeks to two or more years, Blue Cheese typically aged 2-6 months.
Is Aged Cheese similar to Blue Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Aged Cheese for Blue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Aged Cheese taste like Blue Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Aged Cheese made of?
Aged Cheese is made from milk. It's typically aged three weeks to two or more years.
What is Blue Cheese made of?
Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or raw), using traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically aged 2-6 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Aged Cheese or Blue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.