Berkswell Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese
Berkswell Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) and made from cow milk, originating in England.
What Is Berkswell Cheese?
Berkswell is a hard sheep's milk cheese made at Ram Hall Farm near Berkswell in the West Midlands, England. Draining in plastic colanders gives it an unusual shape, and its mature pecorino character won Supreme Champion at the 2017 Artisan Cheese Awards.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.
What's the Difference Between Berkswell Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?
- Origin: Berkswell Cheese (United Kingdom), Cheddar Cheese (England)
- Milk type: Berkswell Cheese (sheep's milk), Cheddar Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Berkswell Cheese (unpasteurized), Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized)
- Texture: Berkswell Cheese (hard), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline))
- Rind: Berkswell Cheese (natural), Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic))
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Berkswell Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | England |
| Specific Origin | Berkswell, West Midlands, England | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) |
| Rind | Natural | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) |
| Aging | — | A few months to several years |
| Taste | — | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Berkswell Cheese Taste Like Cheddar Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Berkswell Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
Berkswell Cheese can stand in for Cheddar Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline).
Which Is Better, Berkswell Cheese or 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 Berkswell Cheese. For a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) profile, Cheddar Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkswell Cheese the same as Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Berkswell Cheese originates in United Kingdom, while Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Berkswell Cheese is made from sheep milk; Cheddar Cheese uses cow.
Is Berkswell Cheese similar to Cheddar Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Berkswell Cheese for Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Berkswell Cheese taste like Cheddar Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Berkswell Cheese made of?
Berkswell Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It originates in United Kingdom.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Berkswell Cheese or Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Berkswell Cheese is hard, while Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline).