Glarner Alpkäse Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Glarner Alpkäse Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
What Is Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?
Glarner Alpkäse is a Swiss raw cow's milk cheese made on the alpine pastures of Glarus during the summer grazing season. The wheels have no holes and reach the market in mild, spicy and sharp grades. It has held AOP protection since 2014.
What Is West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a firm cow's milk cheese made by traditional methods in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Its name has been protected in the EU and UK since 2007, and only milk from those four counties may be used.
What's the Difference Between Glarner Alpkäse Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Rind: Glarner Alpkäse Cheese (natural, formed in a salt bath), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
- Taste: Glarner Alpkäse Cheese (mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Glarner Alpkäse Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Origin | Glarus, Switzerland | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | — | Firm |
| Rind | Natural, formed in a salt bath | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | — | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Glarner Alpkäse Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Glarner Alpkäse Cheese reads as mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character.
Can You Substitute Glarner Alpkäse Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese reads as mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese suits recipes that want mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening notes, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Glarner Alpkäse Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Glarner Alpkäse Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Glarner Alpkäse Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Glarner Alpkäse Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Glarner Alpkäse Cheese reads as mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
What is Glarner Alpkäse Cheese made of?
Glarner Alpkäse Cheese is made from cow milk (raw).
What is West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese made of?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum 9 months.
Which should I choose, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.