Old Ford Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese
Old Ford Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.
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 Red Leicester Cheese?
Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.
What's the Difference Between Old Ford Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese?
- Origin: Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Red Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk), Red Leicester Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized), Red Leicester Cheese (Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others))
- Texture: Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Red Leicester Cheese (Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly)
- Rind: Old Ford Cheese (natural), Red Leicester Cheese (Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial))
- Taste: Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory), Red Leicester Cheese (caramel, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Old Ford Cheese | Red Leicester Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom | United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Timsbury, Somerset | Leicestershire |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others) |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly |
| Rind | Natural | Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial) |
| Aging | — | 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial |
| Taste | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory | Caramel, sweet |
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Where to buy Old Ford Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese
Old Ford Cheese
Red Leicester Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Old Ford Cheese Taste Like Red Leicester Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory, while Red Leicester Cheese brings caramel, sweet character. On the nose, Old Ford Cheese offers barnyardy, floral, goaty, contrasted with Red Leicester Cheese's mild.
Can You Substitute Old Ford Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese can stand in for Red Leicester 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 hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly. Flavor-wise, Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory while Red Leicester Cheese brings caramel, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Old Ford Cheese or Red Leicester 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 hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly profile, Red Leicester Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Old Ford Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes, while Red Leicester Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Ford Cheese the same as Red Leicester Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Old Ford Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Red Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk; Red Leicester Cheese uses cow.
Is Old Ford Cheese similar to Red Leicester Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Old Ford Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Old Ford Cheese taste like Red Leicester Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory, while Red Leicester Cheese is caramel, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Old Ford Cheese leans barnyardy, floral, goaty, and Red Leicester Cheese is closer to mild.
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 Red Leicester Cheese made of?
Red Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized (sparkenhoe farm), pasteurized (others)), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial. It originates in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Old Ford Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly.
See full profiles: Old Ford Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese.