Berkswell Cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Berkswell Cheese
Raclette Cheese
Berkswell Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
Buy Berkswell Cheese
Buy Raclette Cheese
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 Raclette Cheese?
Raclette is a Swiss cheese and the dish made from it: the cheese is heated and the melted part is scraped off, usually onto boiled potatoes. It comes from the canton of Valais, where the cheese carries an AOP.
What's the Difference Between Berkswell Cheese and Raclette Cheese?
- Origin: Berkswell Cheese (United Kingdom), Raclette Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk type: Berkswell Cheese (sheep's milk), Raclette Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Berkswell Cheese (unpasteurized), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Berkswell Cheese (hard), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
- Rind: Berkswell Cheese (natural), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Berkswell Cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Berkswell, West Midlands, England | Alpine Regions |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Hard | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | Natural | Washed |
| Aging | — | 3-4 months |
| Taste | — | Mildly acidic |
Taste Comparison: Does Berkswell Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Berkswell Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
Berkswell Cheese can stand in for Raclette 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 semisoft, smooth.
Which Is Better, Berkswell Cheese or Raclette 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 semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette 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 Raclette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Berkswell Cheese originates in United Kingdom, while Raclette Cheese comes from Switzerland. Berkswell Cheese is made from sheep milk; Raclette Cheese uses cow.
Is Berkswell Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Berkswell Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Berkswell Cheese taste like Raclette 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 Raclette Cheese made of?
Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3-4 months. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Berkswell Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Berkswell Cheese is hard, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.