Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Mozzarella Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Mozzarella Cheese is soft, creamy and made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, originating in Italy.
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 Mozzarella Cheese?
Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese originally from Southern Italy. Traditionally made from water buffalo milk (mozzarella di bufala), it's also commonly produced from cow's milk (fior di latte). Mozzarella is famous for its mild, milky flavor and stretchy texture, making it ideal for pizzas and caprese salads.
What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Mozzarella Cheese?
- Milk type: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Cow), Mozzarella Cheese (cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk)
- Milk treatment: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized), Mozzarella Cheese (Pasteurized)
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Mozzarella Cheese (Soft, creamy)
- Rind: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum), Mozzarella Cheese (None)
- Aging: Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks), Mozzarella Cheese (Eaten fresh)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Mozzarella Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | — |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Soft, creamy |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | None |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | Eaten fresh |
| Taste | — | Mild, milky |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Mozzarella 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 Mozzarella Cheese at eaten fresh.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Mozzarella Cheese?
Exmoor Blue Cheese can stand in for Mozzarella Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, creamy.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Mozzarella 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 soft, creamy profile, Mozzarella Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Mozzarella Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Exmoor Blue Cheese is made from cow milk; Mozzarella Cheese uses cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo. Aging also differs: Exmoor Blue Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 weeks, Mozzarella Cheese eaten fresh.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Mozzarella Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Mozzarella Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Mozzarella 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 Mozzarella Cheese made of?
Mozzarella Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (pasteurized), using calf's or microbial rennet. It's typically aged eaten fresh. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Mozzarella Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Mozzarella Cheese is soft, creamy.