Banon Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese
Banon Cheese is a creamy, soft, and tender goat-milk cheese from France, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What Is Banon Cheese?
Banon is an unpasteurized goat cheese from Provence, sold as a small 100 g disc wrapped in chestnut leaves and tied with raffia. It ages about two weeks, gets dipped in eau de vie before wrapping, and has held AOC status since July 2003.
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 Banon Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?
- Origin: Banon Cheese (France), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Texture: Banon Cheese (Creamy, soft, and tender), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Rind: Banon Cheese (Wrapped in chestnut leaves), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Banon Cheese (Mild and intense, with notes of mushrooms and forest floor), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Banon Cheese | Old Ford Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Provence (Alpes-De-Haute Provence, Hautes-Alpes, Vaucluse, Drome) | Timsbury, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Creamy, soft, and tender | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Wrapped in chestnut leaves | Natural |
| Aging | 15 days | — |
| Taste | Mild and intense, with notes of mushrooms and forest floor | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Banon Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?
Banon Cheese reads as mild and intense, with notes of mushrooms and forest floor, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character. On the nose, Banon Cheese offers earthy, contrasted with Old Ford Cheese's barnyardy, floral, goaty.
Can You Substitute Banon Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
In most recipes, Banon Cheese and Old Ford Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect creamy, soft, and tender bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Banon Cheese reads as mild and intense, with notes of mushrooms and forest floor while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.
Which Is Better, Banon Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a creamy, soft, and tender cheese, go with Banon Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Banon Cheese suits recipes that want mild and intense, with notes of mushrooms and forest floor notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Banon Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Banon Cheese originates in France, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Is Banon Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a goat-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Banon Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Banon Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?
Banon Cheese reads as mild and intense, with notes of mushrooms and forest floor, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Banon Cheese leans earthy, and Old Ford Cheese is closer to barnyardy, floral, goaty.
What is Banon Cheese made of?
Banon Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 15 days. It originates in France.
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, Banon Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Banon Cheese is creamy, soft, and tender, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.