Cabrales Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese
Cabrales Cheese is a unctuous, compact, no eyes cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What Is Cabrales Cheese?
Cabrales is a blue cheese made by rural dairy farmers in the Asturias mountains of Spain, from raw cow's milk alone or blended with goat and sheep milk. It is known for its strong, sometimes sharply acidic flavor and for ripening in limestone caves.
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 Cabrales Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?
- Origin: Cabrales Cheese (Spain), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Cabrales Cheese (cow's milk), Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk)
- Texture: Cabrales Cheese (unctuous, compact, no eyes), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Rind: Cabrales Cheese (Natural), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Cabrales Cheese (Intense, piquant), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cabrales Cheese | Old Ford Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Asturias | Timsbury, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Unctuous, compact, no eyes | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Aging | 2 to 3 months | — |
| Taste | Intense, piquant | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Cabrales Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?
Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character. On the nose, Cabrales Cheese offers strong, contrasted with Old Ford Cheese's barnyardy, floral, goaty.
Can You Substitute Cabrales Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
Cabrales Cheese can stand in for Old Ford Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect unctuous, compact, no eyes bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.
Which Is Better, Cabrales Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a unctuous, compact, no eyes cheese, go with Cabrales Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese suits recipes that want intense, piquant notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cabrales Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cabrales Cheese originates in Spain, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Cabrales Cheese is made from cow milk; Old Ford Cheese uses goat.
Is Cabrales Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cabrales Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Cabrales Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?
Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Cabrales Cheese leans strong, and Old Ford Cheese is closer to barnyardy, floral, goaty.
What is Cabrales Cheese made of?
Cabrales Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using kid rennet. It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Spain.
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, Cabrales Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cabrales Cheese is unctuous, compact, no eyes, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.