Double Gloucester Cheese vs Harzer Cheese
Double Gloucester Cheese
Harzer Cheese
Double Gloucester Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from England, while Harzer Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Germany.
Buy Double Gloucester Cheese
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What Is Double Gloucester Cheese?
Double Gloucester is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese made in Gloucestershire, England, since the 16th century. It ages longer than Single Gloucester, giving it a stronger, more savoury flavour, and it is the cheese sent rolling down Cooper's Hill each spring.
What Is Harzer Cheese?
Harzer is a German sour milk cheese from the Harz mountains, made from low fat curd cheese and usually seasoned with caraway. It is known for its strong smell and flavor, almost no fat, and about 30% protein.
What's the Difference Between Double Gloucester Cheese and Harzer Cheese?
- Origin: Double Gloucester Cheese (England), Harzer Cheese (Germany)
- Rind: Double Gloucester Cheese (natural), Harzer Cheese (white mold or red mold)
- Taste: Double Gloucester Cheese (smooth, tangy), Harzer Cheese (tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Double Gloucester Cheese | Harzer Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Germany |
| Specific Origin | Gloucestershire, England | Harz Mountain Region, Germany |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized in supermarket versions | — |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Natural | White mold or red mold |
| Aging | — | A few days to a few weeks |
| Taste | Smooth, tangy | Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Double Gloucester Cheese Taste Like Harzer Cheese?
Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Harzer Cheese brings tangy character. On the nose, Double Gloucester Cheese offers buttery, rich, contrasted with Harzer Cheese's strong. More specifically, Double Gloucester Cheese shows stronger and more savoury than single gloucester, while Harzer Cheese leans toward sour and distinctly strong, usually seasoned with caraway; red mold types stronger.
Can You Substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Harzer Cheese?
In most recipes, Double Gloucester Cheese and Harzer Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy while Harzer Cheese brings tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Double Gloucester Cheese or Harzer Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Double Gloucester Cheese suits recipes that want smooth, tangy notes, while Harzer Cheese fits dishes calling for tangy.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Double Gloucester Cheese the same as Harzer Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Double Gloucester Cheese originates in England, while Harzer Cheese comes from Germany.
Is Double Gloucester Cheese similar to Harzer Cheese?
Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.
Can I substitute Double Gloucester Cheese for Harzer Cheese?
Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.
Does Double Gloucester Cheese taste like Harzer Cheese?
Double Gloucester Cheese reads as smooth, tangy, while Harzer Cheese is tangy. Aromas also diverge. Double Gloucester Cheese leans buttery, rich, and Harzer Cheese is closer to strong.
What is Double Gloucester Cheese made of?
Double Gloucester Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized in supermarket versions). It originates in England.
What is Harzer Cheese made of?
Harzer Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged a few days to a few weeks. It originates in Germany.
Which should I choose, Double Gloucester Cheese or Harzer Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.