Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese vs Reblochon Cheese
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is a firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals cow-milk cheese, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese?
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar is a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) cheese made in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It is crafted using local milk and a unique dry stir technique developed in 1984, which gives it a firm, dense texture. The cheese matures for 6 to 18 months, creating medium, mature, and extra mature varieties with savory, nutty flavors. The production process includes hand-salting the curd for even distribution and controlled maturation for consistent quality. Orkney Cheddar has won multiple awards and is known for its excellent melting properties. It is available in both white and colored forms, with the latter containing a vegetable-based pigment.
What Is Reblochon Cheese?
Reblochon is a soft washed-rind and smear-ripened French cheese from the Alps region of Savoy. The cheese has a creamy, nutty taste under its orange-colored rind. It was traditionally made using the second milking of cows, which produces a richer milk. Reblochon is famously used in the dish "tartiflette," a gratin made with potatoes, bacon, and onions.
What's the Difference Between Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese and Reblochon Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized), Reblochon Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (Firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals), Reblochon Cheese (Ivory-colored, creamy and supple)
- Rind: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (None), Reblochon Cheese (Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold)
- Aging: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (6 to 18 months), Reblochon Cheese (3 to 4 months)
- Taste: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (Savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging), Reblochon Cheese (creamy, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese | Reblochon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | Orkney Islands, North Of Scotland | Haute-Savoie And Savoie |
| Milk Type | Cow | Raw whole cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals | Ivory-colored, creamy and supple |
| Rind | None | Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold |
| Aging | 6 to 18 months | 3 to 4 months |
| Taste | Savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging | Creamy, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Reblochon Cheese?
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese reads as savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging, while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty character. Aging plays into this as well. Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese at 6 to 18 months develops a different profile than Reblochon Cheese at 3 to 4 months.
Can You Substitute Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?
In most recipes, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese and Reblochon Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals bite and body where the recipe calls for ivory-colored, creamy and supple. Flavor-wise, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese reads as savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese or Reblochon Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals cheese, go with Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese. For a ivory-colored, creamy and supple profile, Reblochon Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging notes, while Reblochon Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, nutty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese the same as Reblochon Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is typically aged 6 to 18 months, Reblochon Cheese 3 to 4 months.
Is Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese similar to Reblochon Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese taste like Reblochon Cheese?
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese reads as savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging, while Reblochon Cheese is creamy, nutty.
What is Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese made of?
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 to 18 months.
What is Reblochon Cheese made of?
Reblochon Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using natural rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese or Reblochon Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple.