Dorset Blue Cheese vs Queijo São Jorge

Dorset Blue Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese, while Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Portugal.

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 Queijo São Jorge?

Queijo São Jorge is a semi-hard to hard cow's milk cheese made only on the island of São Jorge in the Azores. It is known for its firm, brittle yellowish paste, small irregular holes, and a strong, slightly spicy flavor that sharpens with age.

What's the Difference Between Dorset Blue Cheese and Queijo São Jorge?

• Milk treatment: Dorset Blue Cheese (Skimmed), Queijo São Jorge (Raw)
• Texture: Dorset Blue Cheese (Firm), Queijo São Jorge (Firm consistency, hard or semi-hard)
• Rind: Dorset Blue Cheese (Rough, dry brown mold coating), Queijo São Jorge (Natural)
• Aging: Dorset Blue Cheese (12 to 20 weeks), Queijo São Jorge (minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions)
• Taste: Dorset Blue Cheese (Piquant, peppery, mild to strong), Queijo São Jorge (Peppery, grassy)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Dorset Blue Cheese Taste Like Queijo São Jorge?

Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Queijo São Jorge brings peppery, grassy character. More specifically, Dorset Blue Cheese shows piquant like other blue cheeses, not excessively strong, while Queijo São Jorge leans toward mild, sour aftertaste; musty, earthy, barnyardy (aged). Aging plays into this as well. Dorset Blue Cheese at 12 to 20 weeks develops a different profile than Queijo São Jorge at minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions.

Can You Substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

In most recipes, Dorset Blue Cheese and Queijo São Jorge 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 firm consistency, hard or semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong while Queijo São Jorge brings peppery, grassy notes.

Which Is Better, Dorset Blue Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

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 firm consistency, hard or semi-hard profile, Queijo São Jorge is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Dorset Blue Cheese suits recipes that want piquant, peppery, mild to strong notes, while Queijo São Jorge fits dishes calling for peppery, grassy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dorset Blue Cheese the same as Queijo São Jorge?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Dorset Blue Cheese is typically aged 12 to 20 weeks, Queijo São Jorge minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions.

Is Dorset Blue Cheese similar to Queijo São Jorge?

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

Can I substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

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

Does Dorset Blue Cheese taste like Queijo São Jorge?

Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while Queijo São Jorge is peppery, grassy.

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 Queijo São Jorge made of?

Queijo São Jorge is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum three months, up to 36 months for special editions. It originates in Portugal.

Which should I choose, Dorset Blue Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Dorset Blue Cheese is firm, while Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard.