Brie de Meaux Cheese vs Swaledale Ewes' Cheese

Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly and made from sheep milk.

What Is Brie de Meaux Cheese?

Brie de Meaux is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Brie region of France, an AOC product since 1980. Wheels run 36 to 37 cm (14 to 14+1/2 in) across, with a delicate white rind and a straw-yellow, creamy interior.

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 Brie de Meaux Cheese and Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

• Milk type: Brie de Meaux Cheese (cow's milk), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Sheep)
• Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Hard, firm, crumbly)
• Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Greenish-blue-grey mold or black wax coating)
• Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (3 to 4 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than Swaledale Ewes' Cheese at 3 to 4 weeks.

Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

Brie de Meaux Cheese can stand in for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, firm, crumbly.

Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie de Meaux Cheese. For a hard, firm, crumbly profile, Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

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

Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

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

Does Brie de Meaux 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 Brie de Meaux Cheese made of?

Brie de Meaux Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using bovi rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 4 weeks. 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, Brie de Meaux Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly.