Malvern Cheese vs Saint-Nectaire Cheese

Share:

Malvern Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan sheep-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is soft and tender and made from cow milk, originating in France.

What Is Malvern Cheese?

Malvern is a semi-hard cheese made from unpasteurized sheep's milk in the Severn Valley, England. It has a 50% fat content, contributing to its rich and creamy texture. The cheese is ivory in color and offers a sweet flavor profile with hints of butterscotch. Its taste is complemented by herbal notes, providing a pleasant balance. As an artisan cheese, Malvern is crafted with attention to detail, making it a cherished choice for cheese enthusiasts. Enjoy it on a cheese board or as a flavorful addition to various dishes.

What Is Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

Saint-Nectaire is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the volcanic region in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes of France. Made from cow's milk, it has a creamy, supple texture with earthy notes and hints of nuts and mushrooms. Saint-Nectaire is typically aged for at least six weeks, during which it develops a distinctive orange-pink rind.

What's the Difference Between Malvern Cheese and Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

  • Origin: Malvern Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (France)
  • Milk type: Malvern Cheese (sheep's milk), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Cow’s milk (Holstein, Montbéliarde, sometimes Salers))
  • Milk treatment: Malvern Cheese (unpasteurized), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier)
  • Texture: Malvern Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Soft and tender)
  • Taste: Malvern Cheese (butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Delicate hazelnut)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Malvern Cheese Saint-Nectaire Cheese
Country of Origin England, Great Britain And United Kingdom France
Specific Origin Severn Valley Massif Du Sancy, Auvergne
Milk Type Sheep's milk Cow’s milk (Holstein, Montbéliarde, sometimes Salers)
Milk Treatment Unpasteurized Raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier
Texture Semi-hard, artisan Soft and tender
Rind Washed-rind
Aging At least twenty-eight days
Taste Butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet Delicate hazelnut

Taste Comparison: Does Malvern Cheese Taste Like Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

Malvern Cheese reads as butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese brings delicate hazelnut character.

Can You Substitute Malvern Cheese for Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

Malvern Cheese can stand in for Saint-Nectaire Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for soft and tender. Flavor-wise, Malvern Cheese reads as butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet while Saint-Nectaire Cheese brings delicate hazelnut notes.

Which Is Better, Malvern Cheese or Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-hard, artisan cheese, go with Malvern Cheese. For a soft and tender profile, Saint-Nectaire Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Malvern Cheese suits recipes that want butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet notes, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese fits dishes calling for delicate hazelnut.

Which is your favorite?

One click, anonymous. See what others chose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Malvern Cheese the same as Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Malvern Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese comes from France. Malvern Cheese is made from sheep milk; Saint-Nectaire Cheese uses cow.

Is Malvern Cheese similar to Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Malvern Cheese for Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

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

Does Malvern Cheese taste like Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

Malvern Cheese reads as butterscotch, herbaceous, sweet, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is delicate hazelnut.

What is Malvern Cheese made of?

Malvern Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

What is Saint-Nectaire Cheese made of?

Saint-Nectaire Cheese is made from cow milk (raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier). It's typically aged at least twenty-eight days. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Malvern Cheese or Saint-Nectaire Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Malvern Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is soft and tender.