Oka Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese

Oka Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Canada, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

What Is Oka Cheese?

Oka is a semi-soft washed rind cow's milk cheese from Oka, Quebec, made by Trappist monks starting in 1893 and now by Agropur. It is known for its copper-orange rind, pungent smell, and soft creamy taste with nutty, fruity notes.

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 Oka Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?

• Origin: Oka Cheese (Canada), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
• Milk type: Oka Cheese (Cow), Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk)
• Milk treatment: Oka Cheese (pasteurized), Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Oka Cheese (semi-soft), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
• Rind: Oka Cheese (washed), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Oka Cheese (soft and creamy, nutty and fruity), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

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

Oka Cheese reads as soft and creamy, nutty and fruity, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character. On the nose, Oka Cheese offers pungent, contrasted with Old Ford Cheese's barnyardy, floral, goaty.

Can You Substitute Oka Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

Oka Cheese can stand in for Old Ford Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Oka Cheese reads as soft and creamy, nutty and fruity while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Oka Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Oka Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?

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

Is Oka Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Oka Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

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

Does Oka Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?

Oka Cheese reads as soft and creamy, nutty and fruity, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Oka Cheese leans pungent, and Old Ford Cheese is closer to barnyardy, floral, goaty.

What is Oka Cheese made of?

Oka Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Canada.

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, Oka Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Oka Cheese is semi-soft, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.