Chevrotin Cheese vs Swaledale Ewes' Cheese

Chevrotin Cheese is a soft, unctuous goat-milk cheese from France, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly and made from sheep milk.

What Is Chevrotin Cheese?

Chevrotin is a soft goat milk cheese from Savoy in France, made with unpasteurised milk and ripened at least three weeks on pine shelves. It holds an AOC and is known for a full flavor with a sourness that recalls wild mountain herbs.

What Is Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

Swaledale Ewes Cheese is a full-fat hard cheese made from ewe’s milk in Swaledale, North Yorkshire. It has a cylindrical shape, a firm and crumbly texture, and a natural white color. The cheese is either coated in a greenish-blue-grey mold or sealed with black wax. Made entirely by hand, the traditional production process includes pressing, brining for 24 hours, and a maturation period of 3 to 4 weeks. The cheese has been produced in the region for centuries using a closely guarded recipe passed down through generations. The distinct flavor is influenced by the local pastures, which provide a unique mix of herbs and grasses for the sheep.

What's the Difference Between Chevrotin Cheese and Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

• Milk type: Chevrotin Cheese (Goat's Milk), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Sheep)
• Texture: Chevrotin Cheese (Soft, unctuous), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Hard, firm, crumbly)
• Rind: Chevrotin Cheese (Washed-rind), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Greenish-blue-grey mold or black wax coating)
• Aging: Chevrotin Cheese (21+ days), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (3 to 4 weeks)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Chevrotin Cheese Taste Like Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Chevrotin Cheese at 21+ days develops a different profile than Swaledale Ewes' Cheese at 3 to 4 weeks.

Can You Substitute Chevrotin Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

Chevrotin Cheese can stand in for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, unctuous bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, firm, crumbly.

Which Is Better, Chevrotin Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, unctuous cheese, go with Chevrotin Cheese. For a hard, firm, crumbly profile, Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Chevrotin Cheese the same as Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Chevrotin Cheese is made from goat milk; Swaledale Ewes' Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Chevrotin Cheese is typically aged 21+ days, Swaledale Ewes' Cheese 3 to 4 weeks.

Is Chevrotin Cheese similar to Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Chevrotin Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Chevrotin Cheese taste like Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Chevrotin Cheese made of?

Chevrotin Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized), using rennet rennet. It's typically aged 21+ days. It originates in France.

What is Swaledale Ewes' Cheese made of?

Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 to 4 weeks.

Which should I choose, Chevrotin Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Chevrotin Cheese is soft, unctuous, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly.