Old Ford Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese
Old Ford Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Taleggio Cheese is soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.
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 Taleggio Cheese?
Taleggio is a semisoft Italian cheese with a washed, smear-ripened rind and a strong smell. The taste is milder than the aroma suggests, creamy and pale yellow inside, with an unusual fruity tang.
What's the Difference Between Old Ford Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?
- Origin: Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Taleggio Cheese (Italy)
- Milk type: Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk), Taleggio Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized), Taleggio Cheese (Heated to 90–95°F)
- Texture: Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Taleggio Cheese (Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center)
- Rind: Old Ford Cheese (natural), Taleggio Cheese (Soft, thin, pinkish-red)
- Taste: Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory), Taleggio Cheese (Sweet, delicate, slightly sour)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Old Ford Cheese | Taleggio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Timsbury, Somerset | Val Taleggio, Po Valley |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Heated to 90–95°F |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center |
| Rind | Natural | Soft, thin, pinkish-red |
| Aging | — | At least 35 (up to 50) days |
| Taste | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour |
Taste Comparison: Does Old Ford Cheese Taste Like Taleggio Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory, while Taleggio Cheese brings sweet, delicate, slightly sour character. On the nose, Old Ford Cheese offers barnyardy, floral, goaty, contrasted with Taleggio Cheese's herbaceous, aromatic.
Can You Substitute Old Ford Cheese for Taleggio Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese can stand in for Taleggio 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, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center. Flavor-wise, Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory while Taleggio Cheese brings sweet, delicate, slightly sour notes.
Which Is Better, Old Ford Cheese or Taleggio 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, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center profile, Taleggio Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Old Ford Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes, while Taleggio Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet, delicate, slightly sour.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Ford Cheese the same as Taleggio Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Old Ford Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Taleggio Cheese comes from Italy. Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk; Taleggio Cheese uses cow.
Is Old Ford Cheese similar to Taleggio Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Old Ford Cheese for Taleggio Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Old Ford Cheese taste like Taleggio Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory, while Taleggio Cheese is sweet, delicate, slightly sour. Aromas also diverge. Old Ford Cheese leans barnyardy, floral, goaty, and Taleggio Cheese is closer to herbaceous, aromatic.
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 Taleggio Cheese made of?
Taleggio Cheese is made from cow milk (heated to 90–95°f), using calf rennet. It's typically aged at least 35 (up to 50) days. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Old Ford Cheese or Taleggio Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Taleggio Cheese is soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center.