Cheddar Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
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.
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 Cheddar Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Cheddar Cheese (cow's milk), Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Old Ford Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Timsbury, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Natural |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | Old Ford Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Cheddar Cheese and Old Ford Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Old Ford Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese can stand in for Old Ford 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 semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Old Ford 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 semi-hard, artisan profile, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk; Old Ford Cheese uses goat.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized). It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
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, Cheddar Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.
See full profiles: Cheddar Cheese and Old Ford Cheese.