Chèvre (Goat Cheese) vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is a soft goat-milk cheese from France, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
What Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese)?
Chèvre is the French name for cheese made from goat's milk. The classic French style is soft and creamy under a light colored rind, tart from the fatty acids in goat milk, and is sometimes served hot as chèvre chaud.
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 Chèvre (Goat Cheese) and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk type: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (Goat), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Cow)
- Milk treatment: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (pasteurized or unpasteurized), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (soft), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Rind: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (light colored), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
- Aging: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (not aged for long), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) (tangy), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Chèvre (Goat Cheese) | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | France, Especially The Loire Valley And Poitou | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Goat | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | Firm |
| Rind | Light colored | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | Not aged for long | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Tangy | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) shows mild, creamy, sometimes fruity, 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. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) at not aged for long develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) can stand in for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for firm. Flavor-wise, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Chèvre (Goat 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 soft cheese, go with Chèvre (Goat Cheese). For a firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) suits recipes that want tangy 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 Chèvre (Goat Cheese) the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk; West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is typically aged not aged for long, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Chèvre (Goat Cheese) for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Chèvre (Goat Cheese) taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) reads as tangy, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
What is Chèvre (Goat Cheese) made of?
Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is made from goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It's typically aged not aged for long. It originates in France.
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, Chèvre (Goat Cheese) or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chèvre (Goat Cheese) is soft, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.