Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Provolone Cheese

Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow 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 Provolone Cheese?

Provolone is an Italian semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk with a stretched curd. It runs from the very sharp piccante, aged at least four months, to the mild dolce.

What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Provolone Cheese?

• Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Provolone Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Aging: Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks), Provolone Cheese (at least 4 months for piccante)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Provolone 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 Provolone Cheese at at least 4 months for piccante.

Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

In most recipes, Exmoor Blue Cheese and Provolone 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, artisan.

Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Provolone 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, artisan profile, Provolone Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Provolone Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Exmoor Blue Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 weeks, Provolone Cheese at least 4 months for piccante.

Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Provolone Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Provolone Cheese?

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

Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Provolone 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 Provolone Cheese made of?

Provolone Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged at least 4 months for piccante. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Provolone Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Provolone Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.