Bleu de Gex Cheese vs Roumy Cheese
Bleu de Gex Cheese is a creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Roumy Cheese is hard and made from cow and buffalo milk, originating in Egypt.
What Is Bleu de Gex Cheese?
Bleu de Gex is a creamy, semi-soft blue cheese from the Jura region of France, made with unpasteurized Montbéliard cow's milk and aged at least three weeks. It is milder and younger than most French blues, and every wheel is stamped with the word Gex.
What Is Roumy Cheese?
Rumi, also spelled Roumy, is the main hard cheese of Egypt, made from cow's or buffalo milk with no starter culture. Three to four months of aging give it an open texture, a pungent smell and a sharp flavor that gets saltier with age.
What's the Difference Between Bleu de Gex Cheese and Roumy Cheese?
- Origin: Bleu de Gex Cheese (France), Roumy Cheese (Egypt)
- Milk type: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Cow), Roumy Cheese (cow's and water buffalo's milk)
- Texture: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Creamy), Roumy Cheese (hard)
- Rind: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Natural, brushed), Roumy Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Bleu de Gex Cheese (3 weeks minimum), Roumy Cheese (3 to 4 months)
- Taste: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Mild, with a hint of mushroom), Roumy Cheese (salty, sharp, strong)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bleu de Gex Cheese | Roumy Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Egypt |
| Specific Origin | Haut-Jura, France | Egypt |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's and water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Creamy | Hard |
| Rind | Natural, brushed | Natural |
| Aging | 3 weeks minimum | 3 to 4 months |
| Taste | Mild, with a hint of mushroom | Salty, sharp, strong |
Taste Comparison: Does Bleu de Gex Cheese Taste Like Roumy Cheese?
Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while Roumy Cheese brings salty, sharp, strong character. Aging plays into this as well. Bleu de Gex Cheese at 3 weeks minimum develops a different profile than Roumy Cheese at 3 to 4 months.
Can You Substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Roumy Cheese?
Bleu de Gex Cheese can stand in for Roumy Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for hard. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom while Roumy Cheese brings salty, sharp, strong notes.
Which Is Better, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Roumy 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 hard profile, Roumy Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese suits recipes that want mild, with a hint of mushroom notes, while Roumy Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, sharp, strong.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bleu de Gex Cheese the same as Roumy Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bleu de Gex Cheese originates in France, while Roumy Cheese comes from Egypt. Bleu de Gex Cheese is made from cow milk; Roumy Cheese uses cow and buffalo. Aging also differs: Bleu de Gex Cheese is typically aged 3 weeks minimum, Roumy Cheese 3 to 4 months.
Is Bleu de Gex Cheese similar to Roumy Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Roumy Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Bleu de Gex Cheese taste like Roumy Cheese?
Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while Roumy Cheese is salty, sharp, 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 Roumy Cheese made of?
Roumy Cheese is made from cow and buffalo milk. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in Egypt.
Which should I choose, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Roumy Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bleu de Gex Cheese is creamy, while Roumy Cheese is hard.