Dovedale cheese vs Saint-Nectaire Cheese
Dovedale cheese
Saint-Nectaire Cheese
Dovedale cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is soft and tender and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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What Is Dovedale cheese?
Dovedale, sold as Dovedale Blue, is a soft blue cheese made from full fat cow's milk near the Dovedale valley in the Peak District. It holds PDO status and is dipped in brine instead of dry-salted, which is rare for a British cheese.
What Is Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Saint-Nectaire is a pressed cow's milk cheese from the volcanic hills around the Monts-Dore in Auvergne, France. It ages on rye straw for at least 28 days and is known for its soft, creamy paste and hint of hazelnut.
What's the Difference Between Dovedale cheese and Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Dovedale cheese (Pasteurized), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier)
- Texture: Dovedale cheese (Soft), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Soft and tender)
- Taste: Dovedale cheese (mild blue), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Delicate hazelnut)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Dovedale cheese | Saint-Nectaire Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | Within Fifty Miles Of Dovedale, England | Massif Du Sancy, Auvergne |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow’s milk (Holstein, Montbéliarde, sometimes Salers) |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier |
| Texture | Soft | Soft and tender |
| Rind | — | Washed-rind |
| Aging | — | At least twenty-eight days |
| Taste | Mild blue | Delicate hazelnut |
Taste Comparison: Does Dovedale cheese Taste Like Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Dovedale cheese reads as mild blue, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese brings delicate hazelnut character. More specifically, Dovedale cheese shows mild and creamy, with a continental character from brine dipping, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese leans toward nutty.
Can You Substitute Dovedale cheese for Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
In most recipes, Dovedale cheese and Saint-Nectaire Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft and tender. Flavor-wise, Dovedale cheese reads as mild blue while Saint-Nectaire Cheese brings delicate hazelnut notes.
Which Is Better, Dovedale cheese or Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Dovedale cheese. For a soft and tender profile, Saint-Nectaire Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Dovedale cheese suits recipes that want mild blue notes, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese fits dishes calling for delicate hazelnut.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dovedale cheese the same as Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Dovedale cheese similar to Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Dovedale cheese for Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Dovedale cheese taste like Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Dovedale cheese reads as mild blue, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is delicate hazelnut.
What is Dovedale cheese made of?
Dovedale cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized).
What is Saint-Nectaire Cheese made of?
Saint-Nectaire Cheese is made from cow milk (raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier). It's typically aged at least twenty-eight days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Dovedale cheese or Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Dovedale cheese is soft, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is soft and tender.