Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Maasdam Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Maasdam Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Netherlands.
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 Maasdam Cheese?
Maasdam cheese is the Dutch answer to Swiss cheeses, recognizable by its large holes and sweet, nutty flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a semi-soft texture. Maasdam matures faster than other holey cheeses like Emmental, developing its distinctive flavor and appearance in just a few weeks.
What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Maasdam Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized), Maasdam Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Maasdam Cheese (semi-hard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Maasdam Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | — |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | — |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | — |
| Taste | — | Nutty, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Maasdam Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Maasdam Cheese?
In most recipes, Exmoor Blue Cheese and Maasdam 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 semi-hard.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Maasdam 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 semi-hard profile, Maasdam Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Maasdam Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Maasdam Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Maasdam Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Maasdam 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 Maasdam Cheese made of?
Maasdam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Netherlands.
Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Maasdam Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Maasdam Cheese is semi-hard.