Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Queijo São Jorge

Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Portugal.

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 Queijo São Jorge?

Queijo São Jorge is a traditional cheese from the Island of São Jorge in the Azores, Portugal. It is made from raw, whole cow's milk and is known for its firm consistency and yellow color. The cheese can be hard or semi-hard and features small, irregular holes throughout. The production of Queijo São Jorge dates back to at least the 19th century. The cheese's unique characteristics are attributed to the natural pastures and specific climatic conditions of the island. It is a certified Denomination of Origin product, ensuring its authenticity and regional significance. The cheese is inspected by the Confraria do Queijo São Jorge.

What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Queijo São Jorge?

• Milk treatment: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized), Queijo São Jorge (Raw)
• Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Queijo São Jorge (Firm consistency, hard or semi-hard)
• Rind: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum), Queijo São Jorge (Natural)
• Aging: Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks), Queijo São Jorge (Three to nine months)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Queijo São Jorge?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Exmoor Blue Cheese at 3 to 6 weeks develops a different profile than Queijo São Jorge at three to nine months.

Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

In most recipes, Exmoor Blue Cheese and Queijo São Jorge 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 firm consistency, hard or semi-hard.

Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

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 firm consistency, hard or semi-hard profile, Queijo São Jorge is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Queijo São Jorge?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Exmoor Blue Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 weeks, Queijo São Jorge three to nine months.

Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Queijo São Jorge?

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

Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Queijo São Jorge?

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

Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Queijo São Jorge?

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 Queijo São Jorge made of?

Queijo São Jorge is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three to nine months. It originates in Portugal.

Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Queijo São Jorge?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Queijo São Jorge is firm consistency, hard or semi-hard.