Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Weichkaese Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Weichkaese Cheese is soft, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in Germany.
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 Weichkaese Cheese?
Weichkaese is a soft, smear-ripened cheese from Germany, made from cow's milk that can be either pasteurized or unpasteurized. It has a fat content of 42%, contributing to its rich and creamy texture. The cheese has a pale yellow color and is mold-ripened, giving it a soft and edible rind. Its flavor is predominantly buttery and creamy, making it a smooth and mild choice for cheese lovers. Known also by the synonym Weichkäse, it is a popular option for those who enjoy soft cheeses with a gentle taste.
What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Weichkaese Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized), Weichkaese Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Weichkaese Cheese (soft, smear-ripened)
- Rind: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum), Weichkaese Cheese (mold ripened)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Weichkaese Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Germany |
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | — |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Soft, smear-ripened |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | Mold ripened |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | — |
| Taste | — | Buttery, creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Weichkaese Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Weichkaese Cheese?
In most recipes, Exmoor Blue Cheese and Weichkaese 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 soft, smear-ripened.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Weichkaese 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 soft, smear-ripened profile, Weichkaese Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Weichkaese Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Weichkaese Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Weichkaese Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Weichkaese 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 Weichkaese Cheese made of?
Weichkaese Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Germany.
Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Weichkaese Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Weichkaese Cheese is soft, smear-ripened.