Charolais Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese
Charolais Cheese is a semi-soft goat-milk cheese from France, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What Is Charolais Cheese?
Charolais is a raw goat's milk cheese from the Charolais and Brionnais hills of Burgundy, France. It is one of the largest goat cheeses, sold as a tall barrel-shaped round of 250 to 310 grams, and has carried PDO status since 2014.
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 Charolais Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?
- Origin: Charolais Cheese (France), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Texture: Charolais Cheese (semi-soft), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Rind: Charolais Cheese (Bloomy, slightly wrinkled), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Charolais Cheese (acidic, salty, sweet), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Charolais Cheese | Old Ford Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Region Around Charolles, Burgundy | Timsbury, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Bloomy, slightly wrinkled | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum of 16 days | — |
| Taste | Acidic, salty, sweet | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Charolais Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?
Charolais Cheese reads as acidic, salty, sweet, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character. On the nose, Charolais Cheese offers subtle, contrasted with Old Ford Cheese's barnyardy, floral, goaty.
Can You Substitute Charolais Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
In most recipes, Charolais Cheese and Old Ford Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Charolais Cheese reads as acidic, salty, sweet while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.
Which Is Better, Charolais Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Charolais Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Charolais Cheese suits recipes that want acidic, salty, sweet notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charolais Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Charolais Cheese originates in France, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Is Charolais Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a goat-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Charolais Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Charolais Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?
Charolais Cheese reads as acidic, salty, sweet, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Charolais Cheese leans subtle, and Old Ford Cheese is closer to barnyardy, floral, goaty.
What is Charolais Cheese made of?
Charolais Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of 16 days. It originates in France.
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, Charolais Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Charolais Cheese is semi-soft, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.