Berkswell Cheese vs Pepper Jack Cheese
Berkswell Cheese
Pepper Jack Cheese
Berkswell Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Pepper Jack Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
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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 Pepper Jack Cheese?
Pepper Jack is a version of Monterey Jack, the white cow's milk cheese from Monterey, California, flavored with spicy chili peppers, bell peppers, and herbs. It melts cleanly, so it shows up in quesadillas, burritos, cheeseburgers, and grilled cheese.
What's the Difference Between Berkswell Cheese and Pepper Jack Cheese?
- Origin: Berkswell Cheese (United Kingdom), Pepper Jack Cheese (United States)
- Milk type: Berkswell Cheese (Sheep's milk), Pepper Jack Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Berkswell Cheese (unpasteurized), Pepper Jack Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Berkswell Cheese (Hard), Pepper Jack Cheese (Semi-soft)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Berkswell Cheese | Pepper Jack Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
| Specific Origin | Berkswell, West Midlands, England | Monterey, California, The U.S. |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | — | About 1 month |
| Taste | — | Spicy, from chili peppers and herbs |
Taste Comparison: Does Berkswell Cheese Taste Like Pepper Jack Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Berkswell Cheese for Pepper Jack Cheese?
Berkswell Cheese can stand in for Pepper Jack 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 semi-soft.
Which Is Better, Berkswell Cheese or Pepper Jack 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 semi-soft profile, Pepper Jack Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Berkswell Cheese the same as Pepper Jack Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Berkswell Cheese originates in United Kingdom, while Pepper Jack Cheese comes from United States. Berkswell Cheese is made from sheep milk; Pepper Jack Cheese uses cow.
Is Berkswell Cheese similar to Pepper Jack Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Berkswell Cheese for Pepper Jack Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Berkswell Cheese taste like Pepper Jack 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 Pepper Jack Cheese made of?
Pepper Jack Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged about 1 month. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Berkswell Cheese or Pepper Jack Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Berkswell Cheese is hard, while Pepper Jack Cheese is semi-soft.