Crottin de Chavignol Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is a firm, smooth goat-milk cheese from France, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
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 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 Crottin de Chavignol Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk type: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (goat's milk), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Cow)
- Milk treatment: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (unpasteurized), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Firm, smooth), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Natural, white or blue), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
- Aging: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (At least 10 days), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese (Light goat to walnut and hazelnut), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Sancerre Region | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Firm, smooth | Firm |
| Rind | Natural, white or blue | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | At least 10 days | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Light goat to walnut and hazelnut | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese shows light goat flavor, floral, balanced, ages to mushroom, forest undergrowth, matures to nutty flavors, repassé: strong, creamy, 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. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese at at least 10 days develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol 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 firm, smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for firm. Flavor-wise, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol 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 firm, smooth cheese, go with Crottin de Chavignol Cheese. For a firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese suits recipes that want light goat to walnut and hazelnut 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 Crottin de Chavignol Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk; West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is typically aged at least 10 days, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Crottin de Chavignol Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Crottin de Chavignol Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol Cheese reads as light goat to walnut and hazelnut, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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 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, Crottin de Chavignol Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Crottin de Chavignol Cheese is firm, smooth, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.