Cheshire Cheese vs Exmoor Blue Cheese
Cheshire Cheese is a open, flaky cow-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft and made from cow milk.
Buy Cheshire Cheese
Buy Exmoor Blue Cheese
What Is Cheshire Cheese?
Cheshire is a dense, crumbly cheese from the English county of Cheshire and its neighbouring counties. It is the UK's largest-selling crumbly cheese and is sold in white, red and blue versions.
What Is Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a full-fat soft blue-veined cheese made from unpasteurized Jersey cow’s milk in Devon and Somerset, England. It has a rich yellow color and a buttery texture, with an average fat content of 34%. The cheese has been handmade on Willet Farm since 1986, using traditional methods. It undergoes a maturation period of 3 to 6 weeks, during which it is regularly turned and treated with Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium candidum to develop its distinctive blue veining. The lush pasture of the region, influenced by the warm, wet climate and red sandstone soil, contributes to the rich flavor of the milk used in production.
What's the Difference Between Cheshire Cheese and Exmoor Blue Cheese?
- Texture: Cheshire Cheese (Open, flaky), Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft)
- Aging: Cheshire Cheese (Varies, traditional at least 4-5 months), Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheshire Cheese | Exmoor Blue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | — |
| Specific Origin | Northwest England | Devon And Somerset, England |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Open, flaky | Soft |
| Rind | — | Treated with Penicillium candidum |
| Aging | Varies, traditional at least 4-5 months | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Tangy, savory | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheshire Cheese Taste Like Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Cheshire Cheese at varies, traditional at least 4-5 months develops a different profile than Exmoor Blue Cheese at 3 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Cheshire Cheese for Exmoor Blue Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheshire Cheese and Exmoor Blue Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect open, flaky bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.
Which Is Better, Cheshire Cheese or Exmoor Blue Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a open, flaky cheese, go with Cheshire Cheese. For a soft profile, Exmoor Blue Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheshire Cheese the same as Exmoor Blue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Cheshire Cheese is typically aged varies, traditional at least 4-5 months, Exmoor Blue Cheese 3 to 6 weeks.
Is Cheshire Cheese similar to Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheshire Cheese for Exmoor Blue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheshire Cheese taste like Exmoor Blue Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Cheshire Cheese made of?
Cheshire Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged varies, traditional at least 4-5 months. It originates in United Kingdom.
What is Exmoor Blue Cheese made of?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 6 weeks.
Which should I choose, Cheshire Cheese or Exmoor Blue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheshire Cheese is open, flaky, while Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft.