Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Swiss Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Swiss Cheese is semi-firm and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
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 Swiss Cheese?
Swiss cheese in the United States refers to a group of cheeses that resemble the Emmental cheese from Switzerland, known for their medium-hard texture and distinctive holes or "eyes." American Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and sweet, with a smooth, creamy texture, making it popular for sandwiches and burgers.
What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Swiss Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized), Swiss Cheese (Pasteurized)
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Swiss Cheese (Semi-Firm)
- Rind: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum), Swiss Cheese (None)
- Aging: Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks), Swiss Cheese (Typically 1-3 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Swiss Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | United States |
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | — |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Semi-Firm |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | None |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | Typically 1-3 months |
| Taste | — | Mild, Nutty, Slightly Sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Swiss 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 Swiss Cheese at typically 1-3 months.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Swiss Cheese?
In most recipes, Exmoor Blue Cheese and Swiss 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-firm.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Swiss 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-firm profile, Swiss Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Swiss Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Exmoor Blue Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 weeks, Swiss Cheese typically 1-3 months.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Swiss Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Swiss Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Swiss 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 Swiss Cheese made of?
Swiss Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial or vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged typically 1-3 months. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Swiss Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Swiss Cheese is semi-firm.