Cheddar Cheese vs Soumaintrain Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Soumaintrain Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow 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 Soumaintrain Cheese?
Soumaintrain is a soft washed-rind cow's milk cheese from Burgundy, made with raw or pasteurized milk. Brine washing every few days builds an orange rind and a very pronounced flavor.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Soumaintrain Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Soumaintrain Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Soumaintrain Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Soumaintrain Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Soumaintrain Cheese (washed)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Soumaintrain Cheese (at least 21 days)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Soumaintrain Cheese (creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Soumaintrain Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Burgundy (Côte-D'Or And Yonne) And Aube, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Washed |
| Aging | A few months to several years | At least 21 days |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Soumaintrain Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Soumaintrain Cheese brings creamy character. More specifically, Cheddar Cheese shows from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer, while Soumaintrain Cheese leans toward characteristic and very pronounced. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than Soumaintrain Cheese at at least 21 days.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Soumaintrain Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Soumaintrain Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. 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 Soumaintrain Cheese brings creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Soumaintrain 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, Soumaintrain Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Soumaintrain Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Soumaintrain Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Soumaintrain Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Soumaintrain Cheese at least 21 days.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Soumaintrain Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Soumaintrain Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Soumaintrain Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Soumaintrain Cheese is creamy.
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 Soumaintrain Cheese made of?
Soumaintrain Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 21 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Soumaintrain Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Soumaintrain Cheese is soft, artisan.