Old Ford Cheese vs Saint-Nectaire Cheese
Old Ford Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan goat-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 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 Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Saint-Nectaire is a pressed cow's milk cheese from the volcanic hills around the Monts-Dore in Auvergne, France. It ages on rye straw for at least 28 days and is known for its soft, creamy paste and hint of hazelnut.
What's the Difference Between Old Ford Cheese and Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
- Origin: Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Cow’s milk (Holstein, Montbéliarde, sometimes Salers))
- Milk treatment: Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Raw for fermier, pasteurized for laitier)
- Texture: Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Soft and tender)
- Rind: Old Ford Cheese (natural), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Washed-rind)
- Taste: Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory), Saint-Nectaire Cheese (Delicate hazelnut)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Old Ford Cheese | Saint-Nectaire Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom | France |
| Specific Origin | Timsbury, Somerset | Massif Du Sancy, Auvergne |
| Milk Type | Goat'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 | Natural | Washed-rind |
| Aging | — | At least twenty-eight days |
| Taste | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory | Delicate hazelnut |
Taste Comparison: Does Old Ford Cheese Taste Like Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese brings delicate hazelnut character. On the nose, Old Ford Cheese offers barnyardy, floral, goaty, contrasted with Saint-Nectaire Cheese's grassy.
Can You Substitute Old Ford Cheese for Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Old Ford 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, Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory while Saint-Nectaire Cheese brings delicate hazelnut notes.
Which Is Better, Old Ford 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 Old Ford Cheese. For a soft and tender profile, Saint-Nectaire Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Old Ford Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese fits dishes calling for delicate hazelnut.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Ford Cheese the same as Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Old Ford Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese comes from France. Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk; Saint-Nectaire Cheese uses cow.
Is Old Ford Cheese similar to Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Old Ford Cheese for Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Old Ford Cheese taste like Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is delicate hazelnut. Aromas also diverge. Old Ford Cheese leans barnyardy, floral, goaty, and Saint-Nectaire Cheese is closer to grassy.
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 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, Old Ford Cheese or Saint-Nectaire Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Saint-Nectaire Cheese is soft and tender.