Berkswell Cheese vs Wensleydale Cheese
Berkswell Cheese is a hard sheep-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Wensleydale Cheese is firm and crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.
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 Wensleydale Cheese?
Wensleydale is a supple, crumbly cow's milk cheese that started in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire. It has a faint honey aroma, pairs well with sweet fruit, and owes much of its modern fame to Wallace and Gromit.
What's the Difference Between Berkswell Cheese and Wensleydale Cheese?
- Milk type: Berkswell Cheese (sheep's milk), Wensleydale Cheese (Cow’s milk)
- Milk treatment: Berkswell Cheese (unpasteurized), Wensleydale Cheese (Pressed)
- Texture: Berkswell Cheese (hard), Wensleydale Cheese (Firm and crumbly)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Berkswell Cheese | Wensleydale Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Berkswell, West Midlands, England | Yorkshire Dales |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pressed |
| Texture | Hard | Firm and crumbly |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | — | 1 to 4 months old |
| Taste | — | Fresh, lemony tang |
Taste Comparison: Does Berkswell Cheese Taste Like Wensleydale Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Berkswell Cheese offers sweet, contrasted with Wensleydale Cheese's slight honey.
Can You Substitute Berkswell Cheese for Wensleydale Cheese?
Berkswell Cheese can stand in for Wensleydale 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 firm and crumbly.
Which Is Better, Berkswell Cheese or Wensleydale 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 and crumbly profile, Wensleydale 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 Wensleydale Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Berkswell Cheese is made from sheep milk; Wensleydale Cheese uses cow.
Is Berkswell Cheese similar to Wensleydale Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Berkswell Cheese for Wensleydale Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Berkswell Cheese taste like Wensleydale 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 Wensleydale Cheese made of?
Wensleydale Cheese is made from cow milk (pressed). It's typically aged 1 to 4 months old. It originates in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Berkswell Cheese or Wensleydale Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Berkswell Cheese is hard, while Wensleydale Cheese is firm and crumbly.