Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Torta del Casar Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Torta del Casar Cheese is very soft and spreadable and made from sheep milk, originating in Spain.
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 Torta del Casar Cheese?
Torta del Casar is a rich, creamy cheese from Extremadura in Spain, named after the town of Casar de Cáceres. It is made from sheep's milk and has a very creamy, almost liquid interior, with a strong, slightly bitter taste. It is traditionally eaten by slicing off the top and scooping out the inside.
What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Torta del Casar Cheese?
- Milk type: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Cow), Torta del Casar Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Torta del Casar Cheese (Very soft and spreadable)
- Rind: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum), Torta del Casar Cheese (Dry but slightly sticky)
- Aging: Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks), Torta del Casar Cheese (About two months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Torta del Casar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Spain |
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | Extremadura |
| Milk Type | Cow | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Very soft and spreadable |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | Dry but slightly sticky |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | About two months |
| Taste | — | Rich, slightly bitter |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Torta del Casar 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 Torta del Casar Cheese at about two months.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Torta del Casar Cheese?
Exmoor Blue Cheese can stand in for Torta del Casar 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 very soft and spreadable.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Torta del Casar 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 very soft and spreadable profile, Torta del Casar Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Torta del Casar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Exmoor Blue Cheese is made from cow milk; Torta del Casar Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Exmoor Blue Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 weeks, Torta del Casar Cheese about two months.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Torta del Casar Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Torta del Casar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Torta del Casar 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 Torta del Casar Cheese made of?
Torta del Casar Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using cardoon flower (cynara cardunculus) rennet. It's typically aged about two months. It originates in Spain.
Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Torta del Casar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Torta del Casar Cheese is very soft and spreadable.