Queijo de Azeitão vs Old Ford Cheese
Queijo de Azeitão is a semi-hard, buttery, creamy, unctuous, with infrequent or non-existent eyes sheep-milk cheese from Portugal, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What Is Queijo de Azeitão?
Queijo de Azeitão is a Portuguese cheese from the town of Azeitão, produced in Setúbal, Palmela and Sesimbra. It holds EU PDO status and was named one of the 50 best gastronomic products in the world at the 2014 Great Taste Awards.
What Is Old Ford Cheese?
Old Ford is an artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It has a semi-hard texture, making it a sturdy cheese with a satisfying bite. The flavor profile of Old Ford is a mix of buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, and savory notes, providing a refreshing yet rich taste experience. Its aroma carries barnyardy, floral, and goaty scents, adding to its rustic charm. The cheese is ivory in color, with a natural rind that adds character to its appearance. Suitable for cheese boards or paired with light wines, Old Ford is a versatile choice for various culinary applications.
What's the Difference Between Queijo de Azeitão and Old Ford Cheese?
- Origin: Queijo de Azeitão (Portugal), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Queijo de Azeitão (Sheep), Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Queijo de Azeitão (Raw), Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Queijo de Azeitão (Semi-hard, buttery, creamy, unctuous, with infrequent or non-existent eyes), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Rind: Queijo de Azeitão (Malleable, quite soft, whole, well-formed, smooth, fine, yellow, uniform), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Queijo de Azeitão (Slightly piquant, a mix of sharp and salty), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Queijo de Azeitão | Old Ford Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Portugal | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Palmela, Setúbal, And Sesimbra Councils | Timsbury, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Sheep | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard, buttery, creamy, unctuous, with infrequent or non-existent eyes | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Malleable, quite soft, whole, well-formed, smooth, fine, yellow, uniform | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum curing time is 16 days | — |
| Taste | Slightly piquant, a mix of sharp and salty | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Queijo de Azeitão Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?
Queijo de Azeitão reads as slightly piquant, a mix of sharp and salty, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character. On the nose, Queijo de Azeitão offers mild, delicate, contrasted with Old Ford Cheese's barnyardy, floral, goaty.
Can You Substitute Queijo de Azeitão for Old Ford Cheese?
Queijo de Azeitão can stand in for Old Ford Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, buttery, creamy, unctuous, with infrequent or non-existent eyes bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Queijo de Azeitão reads as slightly piquant, a mix of sharp and salty while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.
Which Is Better, Queijo de Azeitão or Old Ford Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, buttery, creamy, unctuous, with infrequent or non-existent eyes cheese, go with Queijo de Azeitão. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Queijo de Azeitão suits recipes that want slightly piquant, a mix of sharp and salty notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Queijo de Azeitão the same as Old Ford Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Queijo de Azeitão originates in Portugal, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Queijo de Azeitão is made from sheep milk; Old Ford Cheese uses goat.
Is Queijo de Azeitão similar to Old Ford Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Queijo de Azeitão for Old Ford Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Queijo de Azeitão taste like Old Ford Cheese?
Queijo de Azeitão reads as slightly piquant, a mix of sharp and salty, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Queijo de Azeitão leans mild, delicate, and Old Ford Cheese is closer to barnyardy, floral, goaty.
What is Queijo de Azeitão made of?
Queijo de Azeitão is made from sheep milk (raw), using cardoon (cynara cardunculus l.) preparation rennet. It's typically aged minimum curing time is 16 days. It originates in Portugal.
What is Old Ford Cheese made of?
Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Queijo de Azeitão or Old Ford Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Queijo de Azeitão is semi-hard, buttery, creamy, unctuous, with infrequent or non-existent eyes, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.