Old Ford Cheese vs San Michali Cheese
Old Ford Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes and made from cow milk, originating in Greece.
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 San Michali Cheese?
San Michali is a hard cow's milk cheese from the Greek island of Syros, aged at least four months. It carries PDO status, tastes salty and piquant, and is one of the most expensive cheeses in Greece.
What's the Difference Between Old Ford Cheese and San Michali Cheese?
- Origin: Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), San Michali Cheese (Greece)
- Milk type: Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk), San Michali Cheese (Cow’s milk)
- Milk treatment: Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized), San Michali Cheese (Pasteurized)
- Texture: Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), San Michali Cheese (Compact, with very small irregular holes)
- Rind: Old Ford Cheese (natural), San Michali Cheese (Often covered with paraffin)
- Taste: Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory), San Michali Cheese (Salty, peppery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Old Ford Cheese | San Michali Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom | Greece |
| Specific Origin | Timsbury, Somerset | Island Of Syros |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Compact, with very small irregular holes |
| Rind | Natural | Often covered with paraffin |
| Aging | — | At least four months |
| Taste | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory | Salty, peppery |
Taste Comparison: Does Old Ford Cheese Taste Like San Michali Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory, while San Michali Cheese brings salty, peppery character.
Can You Substitute Old Ford Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese can stand in for San Michali 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 compact, with very small irregular holes. Flavor-wise, Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory while San Michali Cheese brings salty, peppery notes.
Which Is Better, Old Ford Cheese or San Michali 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 compact, with very small irregular holes profile, San Michali Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Old Ford Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes, while San Michali Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, peppery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Ford Cheese the same as San Michali Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Old Ford Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while San Michali Cheese comes from Greece. Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk; San Michali Cheese uses cow.
Is Old Ford Cheese similar to San Michali Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Old Ford Cheese for San Michali Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Old Ford Cheese taste like San Michali Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory, while San Michali Cheese is salty, peppery.
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 San Michali Cheese made of?
San Michali Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged at least four months. It originates in Greece.
Which should I choose, Old Ford Cheese or San Michali Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while San Michali Cheese is compact, with very small irregular holes.