Comté Cheese vs Exmoor Blue Cheese
Comté Cheese is a smooth; semi-hard cow-milk cheese from France, while Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft and made from cow milk.
What Is Comté Cheese?
Comté is a French cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. It is one of the most popular AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) cheeses, known for its complex flavors which can include hints of apricot, chocolate, butter, cream, hazelnuts, and toast. Comté is aged for a minimum of four months, with some wheels maturing for over a year to develop a deeper flavor profile.
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 Comté Cheese and Exmoor Blue Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Comté Cheese (Raw), Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized)
- Texture: Comté Cheese (Smooth; Semi-hard), Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Comté Cheese (Natural), Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum)
- Aging: Comté Cheese (4 months to 3 years), Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Comté Cheese | Exmoor Blue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Jura | Devon And Somerset, England |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | Soft |
| Rind | Natural | Treated with Penicillium candidum |
| Aging | 4 months to 3 years | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Comté Cheese Taste Like Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Comté Cheese at 4 months to 3 years develops a different profile than Exmoor Blue Cheese at 3 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Comté Cheese for Exmoor Blue Cheese?
In most recipes, Comté Cheese and Exmoor Blue Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect smooth; semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.
Which Is Better, Comté Cheese or Exmoor Blue Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go with Comté Cheese. For a soft profile, Exmoor Blue Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Comté Cheese the same as Exmoor Blue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Comté Cheese is typically aged 4 months to 3 years, Exmoor Blue Cheese 3 to 6 weeks.
Is Comté Cheese similar to Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Comté Cheese for Exmoor Blue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Comté 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 Comté Cheese made of?
Comté Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months to 3 years. It originates in France.
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, Comté Cheese or Exmoor Blue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Comté Cheese is smooth; semi-hard, while Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft.