Idiazabal Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese

Q: Is Idiazabal Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?

No. Idiazabal Cheese and Old Ford Cheese are distinct cheeses from Spain and England, Great Britain and United Kingdom respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Idiazabal Cheese for Old Ford Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Idiazabal Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Idiazabal Cheese is a firm, slightly elastic sheep-milk cheese from Spain, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

What Is Idiazabal Cheese?

Idiazabal is a pressed sheep's milk cheese from the Basque Country, made with unpasteurized milk and named after a town in Gipuzkoa. It is usually sold unsmoked, tastes strong and slightly piquant, and has held a Denomination of Origin since 1987.

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 Idiazabal Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?

Origin: Idiazabal Cheese (Spain), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
Milk type: Idiazabal Cheese (Sheep), Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk)
Milk treatment: Idiazabal Cheese (Raw), Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized)
Texture: Idiazabal Cheese (Firm, slightly elastic), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
Rind: Idiazabal Cheese (Hard, smooth), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
Taste: Idiazabal Cheese (Intense, slightly piquant), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Idiazabal Cheese	Old Ford Cheese
Country of Origin	Spain	England, Great Britain And United Kingdom
Specific Origin	Basque Country, Navarre	Timsbury, Somerset
Milk Type	Sheep	Goat's milk
Milk Treatment	Raw	Unpasteurized
Texture	Firm, slightly elastic	Semi-hard, artisan
Rind	Hard, smooth	Natural
Aging	60 days	—
Taste	Intense, slightly piquant	Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory

Taste Comparison: Does Idiazabal Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?

Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character. On the nose, Idiazabal Cheese offers lactic, roasted, animal, nutty, vegetable, contrasted with Old Ford Cheese's barnyardy, floral, goaty.

Can You Substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

Idiazabal Cheese can stand in for Old Ford Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect firm, slightly elastic bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Idiazabal Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm, slightly elastic cheese, go with Idiazabal Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Idiazabal Cheese suits recipes that want intense, slightly piquant notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Idiazabal Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Idiazabal Cheese originates in Spain, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk; Old Ford Cheese uses goat.

Is Idiazabal Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Idiazabal Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Idiazabal Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?

Idiazabal Cheese reads as intense, slightly piquant, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Idiazabal Cheese leans lactic, roasted, animal, nutty, vegetable, and Old Ford Cheese is closer to barnyardy, floral, goaty.

What is Idiazabal Cheese made of?

Idiazabal Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw), using traditional lamb rennet. It's typically aged 60 days. It originates in Spain.

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, Idiazabal Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Idiazabal Cheese is firm, slightly elastic, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.