Blue Cheese vs Five Counties Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Five Counties Cheese is semi-firm and made from cow milk, originating in England.
What Is Blue Cheese?
A type of cheese injected or inoculated with Penicillium mold to create blue or green veins, resulting in a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy or crumbly texture.
What Is Five Counties Cheese?
Five Counties cheese, originating from Somerset, England, is a semi-firm cheese made from cow's milk. It is known for its layered appearance, featuring five different types of English cheeses stacked together. The flavor is buttery and mild, with a touch of saltiness, making it a pleasant choice for those who enjoy a balanced taste. Its aroma is subtle, adding to its approachable nature. This cheese is also referred to as Five Territories, Five Shires, or Saxonshire. It is often enjoyed on cheese boards or paired with crackers and fruits for a simple yet satisfying snack.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Five Counties Cheese?
- Origin: Blue Cheese (France), Five Counties Cheese (England)
- Milk type: Blue Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat), Five Counties Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Five Counties Cheese (semi-firm)
- Taste: Blue Cheese (Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent), Five Counties Cheese (buttery, mild, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Five Counties Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England |
| Specific Origin | — | Somerset |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | — |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Semi-firm |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Buttery, mild, salty |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Five Counties Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Amaro, Apricot, Asian Pear, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Apple, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, IPA, Malbec, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Port, Scotch, Steak | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Apples, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, California Viogniers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Olives, Prosciutto, Roast Beef | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Blue Cheese and Five Counties Cheese
Blue Cheese
Five Counties Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Five Counties Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Five Counties Cheese brings buttery, mild, salty character. On the nose, Blue Cheese offers strong, pungent, earthy, funky, contrasted with Five Counties Cheese's mild.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Five Counties Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Five Counties Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect crumbly, creamy, semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-firm. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent while Five Counties Cheese brings buttery, mild, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Five Counties Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cheese, go with Blue Cheese. For a semi-firm profile, Five Counties Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent notes, while Five Counties Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, mild, salty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Five Counties Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese originates in France, while Five Counties Cheese comes from England. Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Five Counties Cheese uses cow.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Five Counties Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Five Counties Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Five Counties Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Five Counties Cheese is buttery, mild, salty. Aromas also diverge. Blue Cheese leans strong, pungent, earthy, funky, and Five Counties Cheese is closer to mild.
What is Blue Cheese made of?
Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or raw), using traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically aged 2-6 months. It originates in France.
What is Five Counties Cheese made of?
Five Counties Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Five Counties Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Five Counties Cheese is semi-firm.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Five Counties Cheese.