Berkswell Cheese vs Idiazabal Cheese
Berkswell Cheese
Idiazabal Cheese
Berkswell Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Idiazabal Cheese is firm, slightly elastic and made from sheep milk, originating in Spain.
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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 Idiazabal Cheese?
Idiazabal is a pressed sheep's milk cheese from the Basque Country, made with unpasteurized milk and named after a town in Gipuzkoa. It is usually sold unsmoked, tastes strong and slightly piquant, and has held a Denomination of Origin since 1987.
What's the Difference Between Berkswell Cheese and Idiazabal Cheese?
- Origin: Berkswell Cheese (United Kingdom), Idiazabal Cheese (Spain)
- Milk treatment: Berkswell Cheese (unpasteurized), Idiazabal Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Berkswell Cheese (hard), Idiazabal Cheese (Firm, slightly elastic)
- Rind: Berkswell Cheese (natural), Idiazabal Cheese (Hard, smooth)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Berkswell Cheese | Idiazabal Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | Spain |
| Specific Origin | Berkswell, West Midlands, England | Basque Country, Navarre |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Hard | Firm, slightly elastic |
| Rind | Natural | Hard, smooth |
| Aging | — | 60 days |
| Taste | — | Intense, slightly piquant |
Taste Comparison: Does Berkswell Cheese Taste Like Idiazabal Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Berkswell Cheese offers sweet, contrasted with Idiazabal Cheese's lactic, roasted, animal, nutty, vegetable.
Can You Substitute Berkswell Cheese for Idiazabal Cheese?
In most recipes, Berkswell Cheese and Idiazabal Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are sheep-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for firm, slightly elastic.
Which Is Better, Berkswell Cheese or Idiazabal 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 firm, slightly elastic profile, Idiazabal Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkswell Cheese the same as Idiazabal Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Berkswell Cheese originates in United Kingdom, while Idiazabal Cheese comes from Spain.
Is Berkswell Cheese similar to Idiazabal Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a sheep-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Berkswell Cheese for Idiazabal Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Berkswell Cheese taste like Idiazabal 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 Idiazabal Cheese made of?
Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw), using traditional lamb rennet. It's typically aged 60 days. It originates in Spain.
Which should I choose, Berkswell Cheese or Idiazabal Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Berkswell Cheese is hard, while Idiazabal Cheese is firm, slightly elastic.