Bleu de Gex Cheese vs Swaledale Cheese

Bleu de Gex Cheese is a creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while Swaledale Cheese is moist, medium firm and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in England.

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 Swaledale Cheese?

Swaledale is a full fat hard cheese from Richmond in Swaledale, North Yorkshire, made with unpasteurised cow, sheep or goat milk. It is known for its moist medium firm texture and a rind of grey-blue mould or natural wax.

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

• Origin: Bleu de Gex Cheese (France), Swaledale Cheese (England)
• Milk type: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Cow), Swaledale Cheese (cow, sheep, goat)
• Milk treatment: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Unpasteurized), Swaledale Cheese (raw)
• Texture: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Creamy), Swaledale Cheese (moist, medium firm)
• Rind: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Natural, brushed), Swaledale Cheese (grey-blue mould or natural wax)
• Aging: Bleu de Gex Cheese (3 weeks minimum), Swaledale Cheese (3 to 4 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Bleu de Gex Cheese shows milder and younger than most french blue cheeses, while Swaledale Cheese leans toward fresh and bracken-like, with a sweet caramel undertone from ewes' milk. Aging plays into this as well. Bleu de Gex Cheese at 3 weeks minimum develops a different profile than Swaledale Cheese at 3 to 4 weeks.

Can You Substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Swaledale Cheese?

Bleu de Gex Cheese can stand in for Swaledale 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 moist, medium firm.

Which Is Better, Bleu de Gex Cheese or Swaledale 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 moist, medium firm profile, Swaledale Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bleu de Gex Cheese the same as Swaledale Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Bleu de Gex Cheese originates in France, while Swaledale Cheese comes from England. Bleu de Gex Cheese is made from cow milk; Swaledale Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep. Aging also differs: Bleu de Gex Cheese is typically aged 3 weeks minimum, Swaledale Cheese 3 to 4 weeks.

Is Bleu de Gex Cheese similar to Swaledale Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for Swaledale Cheese?

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

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

Swaledale Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (raw), using rennet added after culturing rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 4 weeks. It originates in England.

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

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bleu de Gex Cheese is creamy, while Swaledale Cheese is moist, medium firm.