Dorset Blue Cheese vs 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.

What Is Dorset Blue Cheese?

Dorset Blue Cheese is a lightly pressed, firm-textured blue cheese made in Dorset, England. It has a uniform color with irregular blue-green veining and a rough, dry brown mold coating. The cheese has a piquant, peppery flavor that ranges from mild to strong. Made using skimmed cow’s milk, the tradition of using lower-fat milk dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries when it was made from residual milk left after cream skimming. The production process includes hand-breaking curds, salting, light pressing, and maturing for 12 to 20 weeks. The cheese is pierced after four weeks to develop its signature blue veining. Dorset’s lush pasture, supported by Oxford clay soil, contributes to the unique flavor of the milk used in the cheese.

What Is West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a traditional firm cheese made in the historical counties of Dorset, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall. It is crafted from locally sourced cow’s milk and matures for at least 9 months. The cheese has a creamy yellow color and a nutty, full-rounded flavor with a hint of sharpness. It is made using a process that includes cheddaring, milling, and mechanical pressing. The milk primarily comes from the cheesemakers' own herds and nearby farms. The method of production has remained largely unchanged since the 15th century. The cheese is matured naturally within the designated geographical area to develop its distinct taste.

What's the Difference Between Dorset Blue Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

• 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

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. 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.

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. 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.