Dorset Blue Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Dorset Blue Cheese
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Dorset Blue Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
Buy Dorset Blue Cheese
Buy West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
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 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 Dorset Blue Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Dorset Blue Cheese (Skimmed), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (raw)
- Rind: Dorset Blue Cheese (Rough, dry brown mold coating), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
- Aging: Dorset Blue Cheese (12 to 20 weeks), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Dorset Blue Cheese (Piquant, peppery, mild to strong), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Dorset Blue Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Origin | Dorset, England | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Skimmed | Raw |
| Texture | Firm | Firm |
| Rind | Rough, dry brown mold coating | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | 12 to 20 weeks | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Piquant, peppery, mild to strong | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Dorset Blue Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Dorset Blue Cheese shows piquant like other blue cheeses, not excessively strong, 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. Dorset Blue Cheese at 12 to 20 weeks develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Dorset Blue Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Dorset Blue Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Dorset Blue Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dorset Blue Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Dorset Blue Cheese is typically aged 12 to 20 weeks, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Dorset Blue Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Dorset Blue Cheese reads as piquant, peppery, mild to strong, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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 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, Dorset Blue Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.