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Cheddar Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Roquefort Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Roquefort Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Roquefort Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Roquefort Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Roquefort Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Roquefort Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Roquefort 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.
Roquefort Cheese Overview
Roquefort is a famous blue cheese from the south of France, made from sheep's milk. It is known for its strong, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture. The cheese is ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where it develops its characteristic blue veins from the mold Penicillium roqueforti.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Roquefort 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. Roquefort Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1925).
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Roquefort Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically unpasteurized.
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)". Roquefort's texture can be described as "moist, very 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". Roquefort Cheese has a mild to strong taste. Roquefort's aroma can be described as "sweet".
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 . Roquefort Cheese has a color of blue-veined , comes in wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil and has an aging period of minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Roquefort Cheese uses animal rennet.
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Roquefort is ranked #18 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Roquefort | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | Bordeaux |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | Barleywine, Beaujolais, Madeira, Port |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Roquefort pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Roquefort Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, South Of France |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996), AOC (1925) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Not Specified |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Moist, very creamy |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Mild to strong |
| Aroma | Varies | Sweet |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Blue-veined |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil |
| Age | A few months to several years | Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a moist, very creamy consistency, Roquefort might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Roquefort offers a mild to strong profile, ideal for different meals.
