Old Ford Cheese vs Tilsit Cheese
Old Ford Cheese is a semi-hard, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Tilsit Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Germany.
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 Tilsit Cheese?
Tilsit, also spelled Tilsiter, is a pale yellow semihard smear-ripened cow's milk cheese created in the mid-19th century by Prussian-Swiss settlers in the East Prussian town of Tilsit. It is medium firm with irregular holes, and often flavoured with caraway seed.
What's the Difference Between Old Ford Cheese and Tilsit Cheese?
- Origin: Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom), Tilsit Cheese (Germany)
- Milk type: Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk), Tilsit Cheese (Cow’s milk)
- Milk treatment: Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized), Tilsit Cheese (Raw and pasteurized)
- Texture: Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan), Tilsit Cheese (Semi-Hard)
- Rind: Old Ford Cheese (natural), Tilsit Cheese (Washed-rind/ Dry rind)
- Taste: Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory), Tilsit Cheese (Pungent, balanced)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Old Ford Cheese | Tilsit Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom | Germany |
| Specific Origin | Timsbury, Somerset | Northern Germany/Baltic And Northern Switzerland |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw and pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Semi-Hard |
| Rind | Natural | Washed-rind/ Dry rind |
| Aging | — | 3 months / Variable |
| Taste | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory | Pungent, balanced |
Taste Comparison: Does Old Ford Cheese Taste Like Tilsit Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory, while Tilsit Cheese brings pungent, balanced character. On the nose, Old Ford Cheese offers barnyardy, floral, goaty, contrasted with Tilsit Cheese's pungent, complex.
Can You Substitute Old Ford Cheese for Tilsit Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese can stand in for Tilsit 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 semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory while Tilsit Cheese brings pungent, balanced notes.
Which Is Better, Old Ford Cheese or Tilsit 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 semi-hard profile, Tilsit Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Old Ford Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes, while Tilsit Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent, balanced.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Old Ford Cheese the same as Tilsit Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Old Ford Cheese originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom, while Tilsit Cheese comes from Germany. Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk; Tilsit Cheese uses cow.
Is Old Ford Cheese similar to Tilsit Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Old Ford Cheese for Tilsit Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Old Ford Cheese taste like Tilsit Cheese?
Old Ford Cheese reads as buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory, while Tilsit Cheese is pungent, balanced. Aromas also diverge. Old Ford Cheese leans barnyardy, floral, goaty, and Tilsit Cheese is closer to pungent, complex.
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 Tilsit Cheese made of?
Tilsit Cheese is made from cow milk (raw and pasteurized), using traditional rennet. It's typically aged 3 months / variable. It originates in Germany.
Which should I choose, Old Ford Cheese or Tilsit Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan, while Tilsit Cheese is semi-hard.