Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
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 Raclette Cheese?
Raclette is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, famous for melting beautifully. It is native to parts of Switzerland and France. The cheese is typically heated, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then scraped onto diners' plates; it's commonly served with small potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions, and dried meat.
What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Raclette Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
- Rind: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
- Aging: Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks), Raclette Cheese (3-4 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | Alpine Regions |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | Washed |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | 3-4 months |
| Taste | — | Mildly acidic |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Raclette 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 Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
In most recipes, Exmoor Blue Cheese and Raclette 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 semisoft, smooth.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Raclette 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 semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Exmoor Blue Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 weeks, Raclette Cheese 3-4 months.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Raclette 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 Raclette Cheese made of?
Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3-4 months. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.