Bleu de Gex Cheese vs Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese
Bleu de Gex Cheese is a creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals 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 Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese?
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar is a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) cheese made in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It is crafted using local milk and a unique dry stir technique developed in 1984, which gives it a firm, dense texture. The cheese matures for 6 to 18 months, creating medium, mature, and extra mature varieties with savory, nutty flavors. The production process includes hand-salting the curd for even distribution and controlled maturation for consistent quality. Orkney Cheddar has won multiple awards and is known for its excellent melting properties. It is available in both white and colored forms, with the latter containing a vegetable-based pigment.
What's the Difference Between Bleu de Gex Cheese and Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Unpasteurized), Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized)
- Texture: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Creamy), Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (Firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals)
- Rind: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Natural, brushed), Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (None)
- Aging: Bleu de Gex Cheese (3 weeks minimum), Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (6 to 18 months)
- Taste: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Mild, with a hint of mushroom), Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (Savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bleu de Gex Cheese | Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Haut-Jura, Bourg-En-Bresse | Orkney Islands, North Of Scotland |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Creamy | Firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals |
| Rind | Natural, brushed | None |
| Aging | 3 weeks minimum | 6 to 18 months |
| Taste | Mild, with a hint of mushroom | Savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging |
Taste Comparison: Does Bleu de Gex Cheese Taste Like Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese?
Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese brings savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging character. Aging plays into this as well. Bleu de Gex Cheese at 3 weeks minimum develops a different profile than Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese at 6 to 18 months.
Can You Substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Bleu de Gex Cheese and Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar 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 but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom while Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese brings savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging notes.
Which Is Better, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar 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 but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals profile, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese suits recipes that want mild, with a hint of mushroom notes, while Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bleu de Gex Cheese the same as Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Bleu de Gex Cheese is typically aged 3 weeks minimum, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese 6 to 18 months.
Is Bleu de Gex Cheese similar to Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Bleu de Gex Cheese taste like Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese?
Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging.
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 Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese made of?
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 to 18 months.
Which should I choose, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bleu de Gex Cheese is creamy, while Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals.