Bitto Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese
Bitto Cheese is a fine-grained, sometimes with very few small holes; hard cheese from one year cow and goat-milk cheese from Italy, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What Is Bitto Cheese?
Bitto is a raw-milk PDO cheese from the alpine pastures of Sondrio in Lombardy, made only between 1 June and 30 September from cow's milk, sometimes with up to 10 percent goat's milk. Young wheels taste mild and sweet, and some are aged for years.
What Is Old Ford Cheese?
Old Ford is an artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It has a semi-hard texture, making it a sturdy cheese with a satisfying bite. The flavor profile of Old Ford is a mix of buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, and savory notes, providing a refreshing yet rich taste experience. Its aroma carries barnyardy, floral, and goaty scents, adding to its rustic charm. The cheese is ivory in color, with a natural rind that adds character to its appearance. Suitable for cheese boards or paired with light wines, Old Ford is a versatile choice for various culinary applications.
What's the Difference Between Bitto Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?
- Origin: Bitto Cheese (Italy), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Bitto Cheese (Cow's milk primarily, with non-mandatory addition of raw goat’s milk up to 10%), Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Bitto Cheese (Raw), Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Bitto Cheese (fine-grained, sometimes with very few small holes; hard cheese from one year), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Rind: Bitto Cheese (smooth, 2 to 4 mm thick, straw-yellow turning brownish yellow with age), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Bitto Cheese (mild and sweet when young, stronger and spicier with age), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bitto Cheese | Old Ford Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Province Of Sondrio, Lombardy, Including Neighboring Upland Pastures Of Lecco And Bergamo | Timsbury, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk primarily, with non-mandatory addition of raw goat’s milk up to 10% | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Fine-grained, sometimes with very few small holes; hard cheese from one year | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Smooth, 2 to 4 mm thick, straw-yellow turning brownish yellow with age | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum of 70 days | — |
| Taste | Mild and sweet when young, stronger and spicier with age | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Bitto Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?
Bitto Cheese reads as mild and sweet when young, stronger and spicier with age, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character.
Can You Substitute Bitto Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
Bitto Cheese can stand in for Old Ford Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect fine-grained, sometimes with very few small holes; hard cheese from one year bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Bitto Cheese reads as mild and sweet when young, stronger and spicier with age while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.
Which Is Better, Bitto Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fine-grained, sometimes with very few small holes; hard cheese from one year cheese, go with Bitto Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bitto Cheese suits recipes that want mild and sweet when young, stronger and spicier with age notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bitto Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bitto Cheese originates in Italy, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Bitto Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Old Ford Cheese uses goat.
Is Bitto Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Bitto Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Bitto Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?
Bitto Cheese reads as mild and sweet when young, stronger and spicier with age, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
What is Bitto Cheese made of?
Bitto Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 70 days. It originates in Italy.
What is Old Ford Cheese made of?
Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Bitto Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bitto Cheese is fine-grained, sometimes with very few small holes; hard cheese from one year, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.