Cheddar Cheese vs Figue Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Figue Cheese is soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in France.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.
What Is Figue Cheese?
Figue is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in the Provence region of France. It has a creamy white color and a natural rind. Known for its full-flavored and sour taste, Figue offers a rich experience for those who enjoy goat's milk cheeses. Its aromatic, milky scent enhances its appeal, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts. The cheese is often shaped like a small fig, which is reflected in its name. Enjoy it on a cheese board or paired with fresh bread and a glass of wine to appreciate its flavorful profile.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Figue Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Figue Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Cheddar Cheese (cow's milk), Figue Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Figue Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Figue Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Figue Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Figue Cheese (full-flavored, sour)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Figue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Provence |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Natural |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Full-flavored, sour |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Figue Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Figue Cheese brings full-flavored, sour character.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Figue Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese can stand in for Figue Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Figue Cheese brings full-flavored, sour notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Figue Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Figue Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Figue Cheese fits dishes calling for full-flavored, sour.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Figue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Figue Cheese comes from France. Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk; Figue Cheese uses goat.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Figue Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Figue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Figue Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Figue Cheese is full-flavored, sour.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Figue Cheese made of?
Figue Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Figue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Figue Cheese is soft, artisan.