Driftwood Cheese vs Rocamadour Cheese
Driftwood Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, while Rocamadour Cheese is soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured) and made from goat milk, originating in France.
What Is Driftwood Cheese?
Driftwood is an artisan cheese from England made from unpasteurized goat's milk. It features a semi-soft texture and is known for its creamy color and ash-coated rind. The cheese offers a citrusy and salty flavor profile, making it a refreshing choice. Its unpasteurized nature adds depth to its taste, appealing to those who enjoy traditional cheese-making methods. Driftwood pairs well with light, crisp wines and is an excellent addition to cheese boards. Its distinctive rind and flavor make it a standout option for cheese enthusiasts.
What Is Rocamadour Cheese?
Rocamadour is a very small raw goat's milk cheese from southwest France, named after the village of Rocamadour in the Lot. It is soft, creamy and white, weighs about 35 grams, and has carried AOC status since 1996.
What's the Difference Between Driftwood Cheese and Rocamadour Cheese?
- Origin: Driftwood Cheese (England), Rocamadour Cheese (France)
- Texture: Driftwood Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Rocamadour Cheese (Soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured))
- Rind: Driftwood Cheese (ash coated), Rocamadour Cheese (White, soft (early); (matured))
- Taste: Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty), Rocamadour Cheese (Mild; becomes stronger)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Driftwood Cheese | Rocamadour Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | — | Communes Of The Causses Du Quercy |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft, artisan | Soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured) |
| Rind | Ash coated | White, soft (early); (matured) |
| Aging | — | Between 6 and 10 days; longer for drier, stronger flavor |
| Taste | Citrusy, salty | Mild; becomes stronger |
Taste Comparison: Does Driftwood Cheese Taste Like Rocamadour Cheese?
Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Rocamadour Cheese brings mild; becomes stronger character.
Can You Substitute Driftwood Cheese for Rocamadour Cheese?
In most recipes, Driftwood Cheese and Rocamadour Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured). Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty while Rocamadour Cheese brings mild; becomes stronger notes.
Which Is Better, Driftwood Cheese or Rocamadour Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Driftwood Cheese. For a soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured) profile, Rocamadour Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese suits recipes that want citrusy, salty notes, while Rocamadour Cheese fits dishes calling for mild; becomes stronger.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Driftwood Cheese the same as Rocamadour Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Driftwood Cheese originates in England, while Rocamadour Cheese comes from France.
Is Driftwood Cheese similar to Rocamadour Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a goat-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Driftwood Cheese for Rocamadour Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Driftwood Cheese taste like Rocamadour Cheese?
Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Rocamadour Cheese is mild; becomes stronger.
What is Driftwood Cheese made of?
Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England.
What is Rocamadour Cheese made of?
Rocamadour Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged between 6 and 10 days; longer for drier, stronger flavor. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Driftwood Cheese or Rocamadour Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Rocamadour Cheese is soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured).