Cheddar Cheese vs Chura Kampo Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Chura Kampo Cheese is hard, artisan, originating in China and Tibet.
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 Chura Kampo Cheese?
Chura kampo is a Tibetan dried cheese made from the curds left over from boiling buttermilk. It comes as small hard chunks that hold up to long chewing, and it is an important part of Tibetan cuisine.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Chura Kampo Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Chura Kampo Cheese (China and Tibet)
- Milk type: Cheddar Cheese (cow's milk), Chura Kampo Cheese (yak's milk)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Chura Kampo Cheese (hard, artisan)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Chura Kampo Cheese (natural)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Chura Kampo Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | China And Tibet |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Tibet |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Yak's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Hard, artisan |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Natural |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Chura Kampo Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Chura Kampo Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese can stand in for Chura Kampo Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, artisan.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Chura Kampo 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 hard, artisan profile, Chura Kampo Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Chura Kampo Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Chura Kampo Cheese comes from China and Tibet.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Chura Kampo Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Chura Kampo Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Chura Kampo Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Chura Kampo Cheese made of?
Chura Kampo Cheese is made from milk. It originates in China and Tibet.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Chura Kampo Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Chura Kampo Cheese is hard, artisan.