Old Ford Cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Old Ford Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
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 Is Raclette Cheese?
Raclette is a Swiss cheese and the dish made from it: the cheese is heated and the melted part is scraped off, usually onto boiled potatoes. It comes from the canton of Valais, where the cheese carries an AOP.
What's the Difference Between Old Ford Cheese and Raclette Cheese?
- Origin: Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Raclette Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk type: Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk), Raclette Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
- Rind: Old Ford Cheese (natural), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
- Taste: Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory), Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Old Ford Cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Timsbury, Somerset | Alpine Regions |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | Natural | Washed |
| Aging | — | 3-4 months |
| Taste | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory | Mildly acidic |
Taste Comparison: Does Old Ford Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory, while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic character.
Can You Substitute Old Ford Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese can stand in for Raclette 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 semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic notes.
Which Is Better, Old Ford Cheese or Raclette 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 Old Ford Cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Old Ford Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes, while Raclette Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly acidic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Ford Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Old Ford Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Raclette Cheese comes from Switzerland. Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk; Raclette Cheese uses cow.
Is Old Ford Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Old Ford Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Old Ford Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory, while Raclette Cheese is mildly acidic.
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.
What is Raclette Cheese made of?
Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3-4 months. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Old Ford Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.