Exmoor Blue Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese

Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.

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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a traditional firm cheese made in the historical counties of Dorset, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall. It is crafted from locally sourced cow’s milk and matures for at least 9 months. The cheese has a creamy yellow color and a nutty, full-rounded flavor with a hint of sharpness. It is made using a process that includes cheddaring, milling, and mechanical pressing. The milk primarily comes from the cheesemakers' own herds and nearby farms. The method of production has remained largely unchanged since the 15th century. The cheese is matured naturally within the designated geographical area to develop its distinct taste.

What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

• Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
• Aging: Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.

Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

In most recipes, Exmoor Blue Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm.

Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Exmoor Blue Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 weeks, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.

Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese made of?

West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged minimum 9 months.

Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.