Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Scamorza Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft 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 Scamorza Cheese?
Scamorza is an Italian cheese similar to mozzarella, known for its pear-like shape and smooth, elastic texture. Made from cow's milk, it is available in smoked (Scamorza Affumicata) and unsmoked varieties, both having a mild, milky flavor. Scamorza can be sliced and melted in sandwiches, grilled, or used as a pizza topping.
What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Scamorza Cheese?
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft)
- Rind: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum), Scamorza Cheese (natural)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Scamorza Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | — |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | — |
| Texture | Soft | Semi-soft |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | Natural |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Scamorza Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
In most recipes, Exmoor Blue Cheese and Scamorza 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-soft.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Scamorza 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-soft profile, Scamorza Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Scamorza Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Scamorza Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Scamorza Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Scamorza 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 Scamorza Cheese made of?
Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Scamorza Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft.