Cheddar Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
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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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a firm cow's milk cheese made by traditional methods in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Its name has been protected in the EU and UK since 2007, and only milk from those four counties may be used.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | — |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Firm |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | A few months to several years | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese leans toward sharp and pungent, often slightly earthy, with a hazelnut note and large calcium lactate crystals when well matured. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese made of?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum 9 months.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.