Beaufort Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Beaufort Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from France, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
What Is Beaufort Cheese?
Beaufort is a firm raw cow's milk cheese from the Savoie region of the French Alps, part of the gruyère family. Its wheels take a concave shape from the beechwood hoop, and the cheese melts easily enough to be a standard choice for fondue.
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 Beaufort Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Texture: Beaufort Cheese (Hard), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Rind: Beaufort Cheese (Even yellow color), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
- Aging: Beaufort Cheese (5 to 12+ months), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Beaufort Cheese (strong), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Beaufort Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Beaufortin Valley, Savoie Region | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Hard | Firm |
| Rind | Even yellow color | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | 5 to 12+ months | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Strong | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Beaufort Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Beaufort Cheese shows ivory or slightly yellow color, occasional small eyes and thin slits, 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. Beaufort Cheese at 5 to 12+ months develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Beaufort Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Beaufort 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 hard bite and body where the recipe calls for firm. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese reads as strong while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Beaufort 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 hard cheese, go with Beaufort Cheese. For a firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Beaufort Cheese suits recipes that want strong 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 Beaufort Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Beaufort Cheese is typically aged 5 to 12+ months, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Beaufort Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Beaufort Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Beaufort Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Beaufort Cheese reads as strong, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
What is Beaufort Cheese made of?
Beaufort Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using dried calves’ abomasum in recuite rennet. It's typically aged 5 to 12+ months. It originates in France.
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, Beaufort Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Beaufort Cheese is hard, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.