Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Lancashire Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Lancashire Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.
What Is Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a full-fat soft blue-veined cheese made from unpasteurized Jersey cow’s milk in Devon and Somerset, England. It has a rich yellow color and a buttery texture, with an average fat content of 34%. The cheese has been handmade on Willet Farm since 1986, using traditional methods. It undergoes a maturation period of 3 to 6 weeks, during which it is regularly turned and treated with Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium candidum to develop its distinctive blue veining. The lush pasture of the region, influenced by the warm, wet climate and red sandstone soil, contributes to the rich flavor of the milk used in production.
What Is Lancashire Cheese?
Lancashire cheese comes from the county of Lancashire in England. It can be young, creamy, and mild or aged, crumbly, and sharp. This cheese is known for its rich, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture, making it ideal for both cooking (particularly in Lancashire hotpot) and as a table cheese.
What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Lancashire Cheese?
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Lancashire Cheese (Semihard)
- Aging: Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks), Lancashire Cheese (Few weeks to up to a year)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Lancashire Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | Lancashire |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft | Semihard |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | — |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | Few weeks to up to a year |
| Taste | — | Mellow to rich |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Lancashire Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Exmoor Blue Cheese at 3 to 6 weeks develops a different profile than Lancashire Cheese at few weeks to up to a year.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Lancashire Cheese?
In most recipes, Exmoor Blue Cheese and Lancashire 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 semihard.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Lancashire Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Exmoor Blue Cheese. For a semihard profile, Lancashire Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Lancashire Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Exmoor Blue Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 weeks, Lancashire Cheese few weeks to up to a year.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Lancashire Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Lancashire Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Lancashire Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Exmoor Blue Cheese made of?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 6 weeks.
What is Lancashire Cheese made of?
Lancashire Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged few weeks to up to a year. It originates in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Lancashire Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Lancashire Cheese is semihard.