Dovedale cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese

Dovedale cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.

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 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 Dovedale cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

• Milk treatment: Dovedale cheese (Pasteurized), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (raw)
• Texture: Dovedale cheese (Soft), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
• Taste: Dovedale cheese (mild blue), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Dovedale cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

Dovedale cheese reads as mild blue, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Dovedale cheese shows mild and creamy, with a continental character from brine dipping, 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.

Can You Substitute Dovedale cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

In most recipes, Dovedale cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm. Flavor-wise, Dovedale cheese reads as mild blue while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.

Which Is Better, Dovedale cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Dovedale cheese suits recipes that want mild blue notes, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dovedale cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Dovedale cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Dovedale cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

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

Does Dovedale cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

Dovedale cheese reads as mild blue, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.

What is Dovedale cheese made of?

Dovedale cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized).

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, Dovedale cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Dovedale cheese is soft, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.