Dorset Blue Cheese vs Saint-Nectaire Cheese

Dorset Blue Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is soft and tender and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Dorset Blue Cheese?

Dorset Blue is an English cow's milk blue cheese protected by a European designation of origin. Also sold as Dorset Blue Vinney, it is known for moderate blue veining and a piquant flavor that stops short of being strong.

What Is Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

Saint-Nectaire is a pressed cow's milk cheese from the volcanic hills around the Monts-Dore in Auvergne, France. It ages on rye straw for at least 28 days and is known for its soft, creamy paste and hint of hazelnut.

What's the Difference Between Dorset Blue Cheese and Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Dorset Blue Cheese (Skimmed), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier)
• Texture: Dorset Blue Cheese (Firm), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Soft and tender)
• Rind: Dorset Blue Cheese (Rough, dry brown mold coating), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Washed-rind)
• Aging: Dorset Blue Cheese (12 to 20 weeks), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (At least twenty-eight days)
• Taste: Dorset Blue Cheese (Piquant, peppery, mild to strong), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Delicate hazelnut)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Dorset Blue Cheese Taste Like Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese brings delicate hazelnut character. More specifically, Dorset Blue Cheese shows piquant like other blue cheeses, not excessively strong, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese leans toward nutty. Aging plays into this as well. Dorset Blue Cheese at 12 to 20 weeks develops a different profile than Saint-Nectaire Cheese at at least twenty-eight days.

Can You Substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

In most recipes, Dorset Blue Cheese and Saint-Nectaire Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm bite and body where the recipe calls for soft and tender. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong while Saint-Nectaire Cheese brings delicate hazelnut notes.

Which Is Better, Dorset Blue Cheese or Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm cheese, go with Dorset Blue Cheese. For a soft and tender profile, Saint-Nectaire Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese suits recipes that want piquant, peppery, mild to strong notes, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese fits dishes calling for delicate hazelnut.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dorset Blue Cheese the same as Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Dorset Blue Cheese is typically aged 12 to 20 weeks, Saint-Nectaire Cheese at least twenty-eight days.

Is Dorset Blue Cheese similar to Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Dorset Blue Cheese taste like Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is delicate hazelnut.

What is Dorset Blue Cheese made of?

Dorset Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed). It's typically aged 12 to 20 weeks.

What is Saint-Nectaire Cheese made of?

Saint-Nectaire Cheese is made from cow milk (raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier). It's typically aged at least twenty-eight days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Dorset Blue Cheese or Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Dorset Blue Cheese is firm, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is soft and tender.