Brie de Meaux Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Brie de Meaux Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow 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 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 Brie de Meaux Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Brie de Meaux Cheese (unpasteurized), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Soft), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Rind: Brie de Meaux Cheese (White mold), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
- Aging: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Brie de Meaux Cheese (Cream, butter, hazelnuts), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie de Meaux Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Meaux | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | Firm |
| Rind | White mold | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | Minimum of 4 weeks | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Cream, butter, hazelnuts | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Meaux Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Brie de Meaux Cheese shows delicate aromas of cream, butter, and hazelnuts, 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. Brie de Meaux Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Brie de Meaux 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 soft bite and body where the recipe calls for firm. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Brie de Meaux 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 soft cheese, go with Brie de Meaux Cheese. For a firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Meaux Cheese suits recipes that want cream, butter, hazelnuts 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 Brie de Meaux Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Brie de Meaux Cheese is typically aged minimum of 4 weeks, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Brie de Meaux Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Brie de Meaux Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Brie de Meaux Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Brie de Meaux Cheese reads as cream, butter, hazelnuts, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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 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, Brie de Meaux Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Meaux Cheese is soft, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.