Bra Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese
Bra Cheese is a hard or semi-hard depending on aging cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Italy, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What Is Bra Cheese?
Bra is an Italian cheese from the town of Bra in the province of Cuneo, Piedmont. It is made mostly from cow's milk and sold either soft or hard, depending on how long it has aged, and it carries PDO status.
What Is Old Ford Cheese?
Old Ford is an artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It has a semi-hard texture, making it a sturdy cheese with a satisfying bite. The flavor profile of Old Ford is a mix of buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, and savory notes, providing a refreshing yet rich taste experience. Its aroma carries barnyardy, floral, and goaty scents, adding to its rustic charm. The cheese is ivory in color, with a natural rind that adds character to its appearance. Suitable for cheese boards or paired with light wines, Old Ford is a versatile choice for various culinary applications.
What's the Difference Between Bra Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?
- Origin: Bra Cheese (Italy), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Bra Cheese (Cow's milk; optionally mixed with small quantities of sheep or goat milk), Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Bra Cheese (Raw or Pasteurized), Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Bra Cheese (Hard or semi-hard depending on aging), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Rind: Bra Cheese (Natural), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Bra Cheese (Range from mild to piquant), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bra Cheese | Old Ford Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Province Of Cuneo, Piedmont | Timsbury, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk; optionally mixed with small quantities of sheep or goat milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw or Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard or semi-hard depending on aging | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Aging | 45 days for Bra Tenero (soft) and at least 6 months for Bra Duro (hard) | — |
| Taste | Range from mild to piquant | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Bra Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?
Bra Cheese reads as range from mild to piquant, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character.
Can You Substitute Bra Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
Bra Cheese can stand in for Old Ford Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard or semi-hard depending on aging bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Bra Cheese reads as range from mild to piquant while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.
Which Is Better, Bra Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard or semi-hard depending on aging cheese, go with Bra Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Bra Cheese suits recipes that want range from mild to piquant notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bra Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bra Cheese originates in Italy, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Bra Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Old Ford Cheese uses goat.
Is Bra Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Bra Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Bra Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?
Bra Cheese reads as range from mild to piquant, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
What is Bra Cheese made of?
Bra Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (raw or pasteurized), using traditional calf rennet. It's typically aged 45 days for bra tenero (soft) and at least 6 months for bra duro (hard). It originates in Italy.
What is Old Ford Cheese made of?
Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Bra Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Bra Cheese is hard or semi-hard depending on aging, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.