Cardo Cheese vs Chevrotin Cheese
Cardo Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, Scotland and Wales, while Chevrotin Cheese is soft, unctuous and made from goat milk, originating in France.
What Is Cardo Cheese?
Cardo is a semi-soft artisan cheese made from pasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It is crafted with a washed rind that contributes to its pungent aroma. The cheese has an ivory-colored interior with a creamy, smooth texture. Its flavor profile is a mix of floral, pungent, and savory notes, making it an interesting choice for those who enjoy bold cheeses. The cheese is enjoyed across England, Scotland, and Wales, offering a taste that reflects the region's cheese-making tradition. Ideal for pairing with crusty bread or a selection of fruits, Cardo makes a flavorful addition to any cheese board.
What Is Chevrotin Cheese?
Chevrotin is an artisanal goat's milk cheese from the Alpine regions of France. It is similar to Reblochon but made exclusively from goat's milk. Chevrotin has a washed rind and a supple, creamy texture with a slightly nutty and earthy flavor, often developing a stronger taste with maturation.
What's the Difference Between Cardo Cheese and Chevrotin Cheese?
- Origin: Cardo Cheese (England, Scotland and Wales), Chevrotin Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Cardo Cheese (pasteurized), Chevrotin Cheese (Unpasteurized)
- Texture: Cardo Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Chevrotin Cheese (Soft, unctuous)
- Rind: Cardo Cheese (washed), Chevrotin Cheese (Washed-rind)
- Taste: Cardo Cheese (floral, pungent, savory), Chevrotin Cheese (Mild, Caprine)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cardo Cheese | Chevrotin Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England, Scotland And Wales | France |
| Specific Origin | Timsbury, Somerset | Savoie And Haute-Savoie |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Goat's Milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft, artisan | Soft, unctuous |
| Rind | Washed | Washed-rind |
| Aging | — | 21+ days |
| Taste | Floral, pungent, savory | Mild, Caprine |
Taste Comparison: Does Cardo Cheese Taste Like Chevrotin Cheese?
Cardo Cheese reads as floral, pungent, savory, while Chevrotin Cheese brings mild, caprine character. On the nose, Cardo Cheese offers pungent, contrasted with Chevrotin Cheese's gentle caprine, woody, farmyard.
Can You Substitute Cardo Cheese for Chevrotin Cheese?
In most recipes, Cardo Cheese and Chevrotin Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, unctuous. Flavor-wise, Cardo Cheese reads as floral, pungent, savory while Chevrotin Cheese brings mild, caprine notes.
Which Is Better, Cardo Cheese or Chevrotin Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Cardo Cheese. For a soft, unctuous profile, Chevrotin Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cardo Cheese suits recipes that want floral, pungent, savory notes, while Chevrotin Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, caprine.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cardo Cheese the same as Chevrotin Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cardo Cheese originates in England, Scotland and Wales, while Chevrotin Cheese comes from France.
Is Cardo Cheese similar to Chevrotin Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a goat-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cardo Cheese for Chevrotin Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cardo Cheese taste like Chevrotin Cheese?
Cardo Cheese reads as floral, pungent, savory, while Chevrotin Cheese is mild, caprine. Aromas also diverge. Cardo Cheese leans pungent, and Chevrotin Cheese is closer to gentle caprine, woody, farmyard.
What is Cardo Cheese made of?
Cardo Cheese is made from goat milk (pasteurized). It originates in England, Scotland and Wales.
What is Chevrotin Cheese made of?
Chevrotin Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized), using rennet rennet. It's typically aged 21+ days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Cardo Cheese or Chevrotin Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cardo Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Chevrotin Cheese is soft, unctuous.