Dorset Blue Cheese vs Salers Cheese
Dorset Blue Cheese
Salers Cheese
Dorset Blue Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese, while Salers Cheese is firm and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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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 Salers Cheese?
Salers is a semi-hard pressed cheese from the Cantal department in France's Massif Central, made only between 15 April and 15 November. Wheels weigh about 40 kg (88 lb) and age in caves for three to forty-five months. It has held AOC status since 1961.
What's the Difference Between Dorset Blue Cheese and Salers Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Dorset Blue Cheese (Skimmed), Salers Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Rind: Dorset Blue Cheese (Rough, dry brown mold coating), Salers Cheese (Thick gray)
- Aging: Dorset Blue Cheese (12 to 20 weeks), Salers Cheese (Minimum of three months, up to forty-five months)
- Taste: Dorset Blue Cheese (Piquant, peppery, mild to strong), Salers Cheese (Strong-tasting)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Dorset Blue Cheese | Salers Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | Dorset, England | Salers, Massif Central |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Skimmed | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Firm | Firm |
| Rind | Rough, dry brown mold coating | Thick gray |
| Aging | 12 to 20 weeks | Minimum of three months, up to forty-five months |
| Taste | Piquant, peppery, mild to strong | Strong-tasting |
Taste Comparison: Does Dorset Blue Cheese Taste Like Salers Cheese?
Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Salers Cheese brings strong-tasting character. More specifically, Dorset Blue Cheese shows piquant like other blue cheeses, not excessively strong, while Salers Cheese leans toward plant and fruit with peppery and even smoky flavors. Aging plays into this as well. Dorset Blue Cheese at 12 to 20 weeks develops a different profile than Salers Cheese at minimum of three months, up to forty-five months.
Can You Substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Salers Cheese?
In most recipes, Dorset Blue Cheese and Salers Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong while Salers Cheese brings strong-tasting notes.
Which Is Better, Dorset Blue Cheese or Salers Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese suits recipes that want piquant, peppery, mild to strong notes, while Salers Cheese fits dishes calling for strong-tasting.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dorset Blue Cheese the same as Salers Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Dorset Blue Cheese is typically aged 12 to 20 weeks, Salers Cheese minimum of three months, up to forty-five months.
Is Dorset Blue Cheese similar to Salers Cheese?
Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.
Can I substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Salers Cheese?
Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.
Does Dorset Blue Cheese taste like Salers Cheese?
Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Salers Cheese is strong-tasting.
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 Salers Cheese made of?
Salers Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged minimum of three months, up to forty-five months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Dorset Blue Cheese or Salers Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.