Bleu de Gex Cheese vs Dorset Blue Cheese

Bleu de Gex Cheese is a creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Dorset Blue Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.

What Is Bleu de Gex Cheese?

Bleu de Gex, also known as Bleu du Haut-Jura or Gex, is a mild, creamy blue cheese from the Jura region on the border between France and Switzerland. It has subtle blue veining and a nutty, slightly earthy flavor. Bleu de Gex is less intense than other blue cheeses, making it a good introduction to the category.

What Is Dorset Blue Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese is a lightly pressed, firm-textured blue cheese made in Dorset, England. It has a uniform color with irregular blue-green veining and a rough, dry brown mold coating. The cheese has a piquant, peppery flavor that ranges from mild to strong. Made using skimmed cow’s milk, the tradition of using lower-fat milk dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when it was made from residual milk left after cream skimming. The production process includes hand-breaking curds, salting, light pressing, and maturing for 12 to 20 weeks. The cheese is pierced after four weeks to develop its signature blue veining. Dorset’s lush pasture, supported by Oxford clay soil, contributes to the unique flavor of the milk used in the cheese.

What's the Difference Between Bleu de Gex Cheese and Dorset Blue Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Unpasteurized), Dorset Blue Cheese (Skimmed)
• Texture: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Creamy), Dorset Blue Cheese (Firm)
• Rind: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Natural, brushed), Dorset Blue Cheese (Rough, dry brown mold coating)
• Aging: Bleu de Gex Cheese (3 weeks minimum), Dorset Blue Cheese (12 to 20 weeks)
• Taste: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Mild, with a hint of mushroom), Dorset Blue Cheese (Piquant, peppery, mild to strong)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Bleu de Gex Cheese Taste Like Dorset Blue Cheese?

Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while Dorset Blue Cheese brings piquant, peppery, mild to strong character. Aging plays into this as well. Bleu de Gex Cheese at 3 weeks minimum develops a different profile than Dorset Blue Cheese at 12 to 20 weeks.

Can You Substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Dorset Blue Cheese?

In most recipes, Bleu de Gex Cheese and Dorset Blue Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for firm. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom while Dorset Blue Cheese brings piquant, peppery, mild to strong notes.

Which Is Better, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Dorset Blue Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a creamy cheese, go with Bleu de Gex Cheese. For a firm profile, Dorset Blue Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese suits recipes that want mild, with a hint of mushroom notes, while Dorset Blue Cheese fits dishes calling for piquant, peppery, mild to strong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bleu de Gex Cheese the same as Dorset Blue Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Bleu de Gex Cheese is typically aged 3 weeks minimum, Dorset Blue Cheese 12 to 20 weeks.

Is Bleu de Gex Cheese similar to Dorset Blue Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Dorset Blue Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Bleu de Gex Cheese taste like Dorset Blue Cheese?

Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while Dorset Blue Cheese is piquant, peppery, mild to strong.

What is Bleu de Gex Cheese made of?

Bleu de Gex Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3 weeks minimum. It originates in France.

What is Dorset Blue Cheese made of?

Dorset Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed). It's typically aged 12 to 20 weeks.

Which should I choose, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Dorset Blue Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bleu de Gex Cheese is creamy, while Dorset Blue Cheese is firm.