Bleu de Gex Cheese vs Swaledale Ewes' Cheese

Bleu de Gex Cheese is a creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly and made from sheep 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 Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

Swaledale Ewes Cheese is a full-fat hard cheese made from ewe’s milk in Swaledale, North Yorkshire. It has a cylindrical shape, a firm and crumbly texture, and a natural white color. The cheese is either coated in a greenish-blue-grey mold or sealed with black wax. Made entirely by hand, the traditional production process includes pressing, brining for 24 hours, and a maturation period of 3 to 4 weeks. The cheese has been produced in the region for centuries using a closely guarded recipe passed down through generations. The distinct flavor is influenced by the local pastures, which provide a unique mix of herbs and grasses for the sheep.

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

• Milk type: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Cow), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Sheep)
• Texture: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Creamy), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Hard, firm, crumbly)
• Rind: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Natural, brushed), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Greenish-blue-grey mold or black wax coating)
• Aging: Bleu de Gex Cheese (3 weeks minimum), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (3 to 4 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Bleu de Gex Cheese Taste Like Swaledale Ewes' 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 Swaledale Ewes' Cheese at 3 to 4 weeks.

Can You Substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

Bleu de Gex Cheese can stand in for Swaledale Ewes' 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, firm, crumbly.

Which Is Better, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' 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, firm, crumbly profile, Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bleu de Gex Cheese the same as Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Bleu de Gex Cheese is made from cow milk; Swaledale Ewes' Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Bleu de Gex Cheese is typically aged 3 weeks minimum, Swaledale Ewes' Cheese 3 to 4 weeks.

Is Bleu de Gex Cheese similar to Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Bleu de Gex Cheese taste like Swaledale Ewes' 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 Swaledale Ewes' Cheese made of?

Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 to 4 weeks.

Which should I choose, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bleu de Gex Cheese is creamy, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly.