Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Sfela Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Sfela Cheese is semi-hard and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Greece.
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 Sfela Cheese?
Sfela is a semi-hard cheese from the Peloponnese region of Greece. Made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat milk, it is often fried due to its high melting point. Sfela has a salty, tangy flavor, making it a popular choice for traditional Greek fried cheese dishes.
What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Sfela Cheese?
- Milk type: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Cow), Sfela Cheese (Raw sheep’s milk or combination with goat’s milk)
- Milk treatment: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized), Sfela Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Sfela Cheese (Semi-hard)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Sfela Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | Messinia And Laconia, Peloponnese |
| Milk Type | Cow | Raw sheep’s milk or combination with goat’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | — |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | — |
| Taste | — | Unique personality |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Sfela Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Sfela Cheese?
Exmoor Blue Cheese can stand in for Sfela Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Sfela 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 profile, Sfela Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Sfela Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Exmoor Blue Cheese is made from cow milk; Sfela Cheese uses goat or sheep.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Sfela Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Sfela Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Sfela 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 Sfela Cheese made of?
Sfela Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (raw), using traditional rennet. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Sfela Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Sfela Cheese is semi-hard.