Bleu de Gex Cheese vs Staffordshire Cheese

Bleu de Gex Cheese is a creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Staffordshire Cheese is hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy and made from cow milk.

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 Staffordshire Cheese?

Staffordshire Cheese is a raw cow's milk cheese from the county of Staffordshire, England, protected by a PDO. It is sold as cloth-wrapped cylinders of 8 to 10 kg and ranges from semi-hard to hard depending on how long it is matured.

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

• Milk treatment: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Unpasteurized), Staffordshire Cheese (raw)
• Texture: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Creamy), Staffordshire Cheese (hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy)
• Rind: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Natural, brushed), Staffordshire Cheese (Cloth-bound)
• Aging: Bleu de Gex Cheese (3 weeks minimum), Staffordshire Cheese (2-4 weeks (mild), up to 12 months (mature))
• Taste: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Mild, with a hint of mushroom), Staffordshire Cheese (Creamy, fresh, lactic)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Bleu de Gex Cheese Taste Like Staffordshire Cheese?

Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while Staffordshire Cheese brings creamy, fresh, lactic character. Aging plays into this as well. Bleu de Gex Cheese at 3 weeks minimum develops a different profile than Staffordshire Cheese at 2-4 weeks (mild), up to 12 months (mature).

Can You Substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Staffordshire Cheese?

In most recipes, Bleu de Gex Cheese and Staffordshire 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 hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom while Staffordshire Cheese brings creamy, fresh, lactic notes.

Which Is Better, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Staffordshire 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 or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy profile, Staffordshire Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese suits recipes that want mild, with a hint of mushroom notes, while Staffordshire Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, fresh, lactic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bleu de Gex Cheese the same as Staffordshire Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Bleu de Gex Cheese is typically aged 3 weeks minimum, Staffordshire Cheese 2-4 weeks (mild), up to 12 months (mature).

Is Bleu de Gex Cheese similar to Staffordshire Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Staffordshire Cheese?

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

Does Bleu de Gex Cheese taste like Staffordshire Cheese?

Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while Staffordshire Cheese is creamy, fresh, lactic.

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 Staffordshire Cheese made of?

Staffordshire Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 2-4 weeks (mild), up to 12 months (mature).

Which should I choose, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Staffordshire Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bleu de Gex Cheese is creamy, while Staffordshire Cheese is hard or semi-hard depending on aging, uniform, slightly crumbly, creamy.