Bleu de Gex Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Bleu de Gex Cheese is a creamy cow-milk cheese from France, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a firm cow's milk cheese made by traditional methods in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Its name has been protected in the EU and UK since 2007, and only milk from those four counties may be used.
What's the Difference Between Bleu de Gex Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Unpasteurized), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Creamy), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Rind: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Natural, brushed), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
- Aging: Bleu de Gex Cheese (3 weeks minimum), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Bleu de Gex Cheese (Mild, with a hint of mushroom), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bleu de Gex Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Haut-Jura, France | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Creamy | Firm |
| Rind | Natural, brushed | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | 3 weeks minimum | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Mild, with a hint of mushroom | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Bleu de Gex Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Bleu de Gex Cheese shows milder and younger than most french blue cheeses, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese leans toward sharp and pungent, often slightly earthy, with a hazelnut note and large calcium lactate crystals when well matured. Aging plays into this as well. Bleu de Gex Cheese at 3 weeks minimum develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Bleu de Gex Cheese and West Country Farmhouse 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. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Bleu de Gex Cheese or West Country Farmhouse 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 profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bleu de Gex Cheese suits recipes that want mild, with a hint of mushroom notes, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bleu de Gex Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Bleu de Gex Cheese is typically aged 3 weeks minimum, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Bleu de Gex Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Bleu de Gex Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Bleu de Gex Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Bleu de Gex Cheese reads as mild, with a hint of mushroom, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese made of?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum 9 months.
Which should I choose, Bleu de Gex Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bleu de Gex Cheese is creamy, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.