Bleu de Gex Cheese vs Exmoor Blue Cheese
Bleu de Gex Cheese is a creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft 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 Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a full-fat soft blue-veined cheese made from unpasteurized Jersey cow’s milk in Devon and Somerset, England. It has a rich yellow color and a buttery texture, with an average fat content of 34%. The cheese has been handmade on Willet Farm since 1986, using traditional methods. It undergoes a maturation period of 3 to 6 weeks, during which it is regularly turned and treated with Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium candidum to develop its distinctive blue veining. The lush pasture of the region, influenced by the warm, wet climate and red sandstone soil, contributes to the rich flavor of the milk used in production.
What's the Difference Between Bleu de Gex Cheese and Exmoor Blue Cheese?
- Texture: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Creamy), Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Natural, brushed), Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum)
- Aging: Bleu de Gex Cheese (3 weeks minimum), Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bleu de Gex Cheese | Exmoor Blue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Haut-Jura, Bourg-En-Bresse | Devon And Somerset, England |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Creamy | Soft |
| Rind | Natural, brushed | Treated with Penicillium candidum |
| Aging | 3 weeks minimum | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Mild, with a hint of mushroom | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Bleu de Gex Cheese Taste Like Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Bleu de Gex Cheese at 3 weeks minimum develops a different profile than Exmoor Blue Cheese at 3 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Exmoor Blue Cheese?
In most recipes, Bleu de Gex Cheese and Exmoor 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 soft.
Which Is Better, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Exmoor 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 soft profile, Exmoor Blue Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bleu de Gex Cheese the same as Exmoor Blue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Bleu de Gex Cheese is typically aged 3 weeks minimum, Exmoor Blue Cheese 3 to 6 weeks.
Is Bleu de Gex Cheese similar to Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Exmoor Blue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Bleu de Gex Cheese taste like Exmoor Blue Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Exmoor Blue Cheese made of?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 6 weeks.
Which should I choose, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Exmoor Blue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bleu de Gex Cheese is creamy, while Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft.