Bartlett Cheese vs Ossau-Iraty Cheese
Bartlett Cheese is a soft, artisan sheep-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is homogeneous, uncooked, pressed and made from sheep milk, originating in France.
What Is Bartlett Cheese?
Bartlett is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized sheep's milk in Somerset, England. It has a mold-ripened rind, which contributes to its aromatic and strong scent. The cheese is white in color and features a buttery and milky flavor profile. Its soft texture makes it an inviting choice for cheese boards or spreading on bread. Bartlett is appreciated for its rich taste and aromatic presence, offering a true taste of traditional English cheese-making.
What Is Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Ossau-Iraty is a sheep's milk cheese from the Northern Basque Country and Béarn in south-western France. Uncooked and pressed, it is smooth, creamy and firm, and has held appellation d'origine contrôlée status since 1980.
What's the Difference Between Bartlett Cheese and Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
- Origin: Bartlett Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Bartlett Cheese (unpasteurized), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Bartlett Cheese (soft, artisan), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Homogeneous, uncooked, pressed)
- Rind: Bartlett Cheese (mold ripened), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (Natural, smooth, orange to gray)
- Taste: Bartlett Cheese (buttery, milky), Ossau-Iraty Cheese (fruity, herbaceous, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bartlett Cheese | Ossau-Iraty Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom | France |
| Specific Origin | Somerset | Béarn And Basque Country (Pyrénées-Atlantiques), And Three Communes In Hautes Pyrénées |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Homogeneous, uncooked, pressed |
| Rind | Mold ripened | Natural, smooth, orange to gray |
| Aging | — | Minimum 80-120 days |
| Taste | Buttery, milky | Fruity, herbaceous, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Bartlett Cheese Taste Like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese brings fruity, herbaceous, nutty character. On the nose, Bartlett Cheese offers aromatic, strong, contrasted with Ossau-Iraty Cheese's rich.
Can You Substitute Bartlett Cheese for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
In most recipes, Bartlett Cheese and Ossau-Iraty Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for homogeneous, uncooked, pressed. Flavor-wise, Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky while Ossau-Iraty Cheese brings fruity, herbaceous, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Bartlett Cheese or Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Bartlett Cheese. For a homogeneous, uncooked, pressed profile, Ossau-Iraty Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bartlett Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, milky notes, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese fits dishes calling for fruity, herbaceous, nutty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bartlett Cheese the same as Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bartlett Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese comes from France.
Is Bartlett Cheese similar to Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Bartlett Cheese for Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Bartlett Cheese taste like Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
Bartlett Cheese reads as buttery, milky, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is fruity, herbaceous, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Bartlett Cheese leans aromatic, strong, and Ossau-Iraty Cheese is closer to rich.
What is Bartlett Cheese made of?
Bartlett Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What is Ossau-Iraty Cheese made of?
Ossau-Iraty Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum 80-120 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Bartlett Cheese or Ossau-Iraty Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bartlett Cheese is soft, artisan, while Ossau-Iraty Cheese is homogeneous, uncooked, pressed.