Crottin de Chavignol Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is a firm, smooth goat-milk cheese from France, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol is a small cylindrical goat cheese from the Loire Valley and the claim to fame of the village of Chavignol. It tastes subtle and slightly nutty, and it is sold at three stages of ripening, from a white rind and compact paste to a crumbly one with bluish mould.
What Is Old Ford Cheese?
Old Ford is an artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It has a semi-hard texture, making it a sturdy cheese with a satisfying bite. The flavor profile of Old Ford is a mix of buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, and savory notes, providing a refreshing yet rich taste experience. Its aroma carries barnyardy, floral, and goaty scents, adding to its rustic charm. The cheese is ivory in color, with a natural rind that adds character to its appearance. Suitable for cheese boards or paired with light wines, Old Ford is a versatile choice for various culinary applications.
What's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?
- Origin: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (France), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Texture: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Firm, smooth), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Natural, white or blue), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Light goat to walnut and hazelnut), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol Cheese | Old Ford Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Sancerre Region | Timsbury, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Firm, smooth | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Natural, white or blue | Natural |
| Aging | At least 10 days | — |
| Taste | Light goat to walnut and hazelnut | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character. On the nose, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese offers light goat to mushroom and forest undergrowth, contrasted with Old Ford Cheese's barnyardy, floral, goaty.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
In most recipes, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese and Old Ford Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm, smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm, smooth cheese, go with Crottin de Chavignol Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese suits recipes that want light goat to walnut and hazelnut notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese originates in France, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a goat-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese leans light goat to mushroom and forest undergrowth, and Old Ford Cheese is closer to barnyardy, floral, goaty.
What is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese made of?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 10 days. It originates in France.
What is Old Ford Cheese made of?
Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is firm, smooth, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.