Feta Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese
Feta Cheese is a soft, white, aged in brine goat and sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What Is Feta Cheese?
Feta is a Greek brined white cheese made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly and slightly grainy, tangy and salty, and it anchors dishes like Greek salad and spanakopita.
What Is Old Ford Cheese?
Old Ford is an artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It has a semi-hard texture, making it a sturdy cheese with a satisfying bite. The flavor profile of Old Ford is a mix of buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, and savory notes, providing a refreshing yet rich taste experience. Its aroma carries barnyardy, floral, and goaty scents, adding to its rustic charm. The cheese is ivory in color, with a natural rind that adds character to its appearance. Suitable for cheese boards or paired with light wines, Old Ford is a versatile choice for various culinary applications.
What's the Difference Between Feta Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?
- Origin: Feta Cheese (Greece), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Feta Cheese (goat's and sheep's milk), Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Feta Cheese (Pasteurized, sometimes raw), Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Feta Cheese (Soft, white, aged in brine), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Rind: Feta Cheese (None), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Feta Cheese (Sharp to mild), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feta Cheese | Old Ford Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Mainland Greece And Lesbos Prefecture | Timsbury, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | None | Natural |
| Aging | 2 months to longer | — |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Feta Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?
Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character. On the nose, Feta Cheese offers ewe's milk, butter, yoghurt, contrasted with Old Ford Cheese's barnyardy, floral, goaty.
Can You Substitute Feta Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
Feta Cheese can stand in for Old Ford Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, white, aged in brine bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.
Which Is Better, Feta Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, white, aged in brine cheese, go with Feta Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Feta Cheese suits recipes that want sharp to mild notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Feta Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Feta Cheese originates in Greece, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Feta Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk; Old Ford Cheese uses goat.
Is Feta Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Feta Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Feta Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?
Feta Cheese reads as sharp to mild, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Feta Cheese leans ewe's milk, butter, yoghurt, and Old Ford Cheese is closer to barnyardy, floral, goaty.
What is Feta Cheese made of?
Feta Cheese is made from goat and sheep milk (pasteurized, sometimes raw), using rennet. It's typically aged 2 months to longer. It originates in Greece.
What is Old Ford Cheese made of?
Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Feta Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Feta Cheese is soft, white, aged in brine, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.