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Cheddar Cheese vs Époisses Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Époisses Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Époisses Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Époisses Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Époisses Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Époisses Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Époisses Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Époisses Cheese better?"
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Époisses Cheese Overview
Époisses is a strongly flavored, washed-rind cheese from Burgundy, made from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy texture and rich, intense flavor with hints of barnyard and bacon. The rind is washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy during maturation, contributing to its characteristic strong smell and deep orange color. Époisses is typically eaten with crusty bread or used to add depth to sauces.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Époisses Cheese originated from France.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Cheddar is not a protected cheese. Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991).
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Époisses Cheese is made with cow milk.
Composition and Texture
Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth".
Appearance and Aging
Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years . Époisses Cheese has a color of orange ivory to brick red , comes in small and large sizes and has an aging period of minimum of 28 days .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Époisses is ranked #30 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Époisses | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | Burgundy Red |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Époisses pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Époisses Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Auxois And Terre Plaine, Burgundy |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996), AOC (1991) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's Milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Not Specified |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Washed-rind |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft and creamy |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced |
| Aroma | Varies | Undergrowth |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Orange ivory to brick red |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Small and large sizes |
| Age | A few months to several years | Minimum of 28 days |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a soft and creamy consistency, Époisses might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Époisses offers a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced profile, ideal for different meals.
