Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Quark Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Quark Cheese is soft, nonaged, unsalted and made from cow milk.
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 Quark Cheese?
Quark is a fresh dairy product, similar to cottage cheese but smoother and creamier. It is made by warming soured milk until the desired degree of denaturation of milk proteins is met, and then straining it. Quark can be used as a spread, a base for dips and desserts, or as an ingredient in baking.
What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Quark Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized), Quark Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Quark Cheese (Soft, nonaged, unsalted)
- Rind: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum), Quark Cheese (None)
- Aging: Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks), Quark Cheese (Fresh, nonaged)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Quark Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | Widespread In German-Speaking And Slavic Countries, As Well As Northern Europe |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Soft, nonaged, unsalted |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | None |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | Fresh, nonaged |
| Taste | — | Mild, slightly milky |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Quark 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 Quark Cheese at fresh, nonaged.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Quark Cheese?
In most recipes, Exmoor Blue Cheese and Quark 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 soft, nonaged, unsalted.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Quark 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, nonaged, unsalted profile, Quark Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Quark Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Exmoor Blue Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 weeks, Quark Cheese fresh, nonaged.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Quark Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Quark Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Quark 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 Quark Cheese made of?
Quark Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using traditionally none, commercial: very small amount of rennet. It's typically aged fresh, nonaged.
Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Quark Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Quark Cheese is soft, nonaged, unsalted.