Cabrales Cheese vs Swaledale Ewes' Cheese

Cabrales Cheese is a unctuous, compact, no eyes cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly and made from sheep milk.

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 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 Cabrales Cheese and Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

• Milk type: Cabrales Cheese (cow's milk), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Sheep)
• Texture: Cabrales Cheese (unctuous, compact, no eyes), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Hard, firm, crumbly)
• Rind: Cabrales Cheese (Natural), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Greenish-blue-grey mold or black wax coating)
• Aging: Cabrales Cheese (2 to 3 months), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (3 to 4 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Cabrales Cheese Taste Like Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Cabrales Cheese at 2 to 3 months develops a different profile than Swaledale Ewes' Cheese at 3 to 4 weeks.

Can You Substitute Cabrales Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

Cabrales Cheese can stand in for Swaledale Ewes' 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 hard, firm, crumbly.

Which Is Better, Cabrales Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' 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 hard, firm, crumbly profile, Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cabrales Cheese the same as Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cabrales Cheese is made from cow milk; Swaledale Ewes' Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Cabrales Cheese is typically aged 2 to 3 months, Swaledale Ewes' Cheese 3 to 4 weeks.

Is Cabrales Cheese similar to Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Cabrales Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

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

Does Cabrales 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 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 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, Cabrales Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cabrales Cheese is unctuous, compact, no eyes, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly.