Orkney Cheese vs Reblochon Cheese
Orkney Cheese is a lactic, crumbly, semifirm cow-milk cheese from United Kingdom, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Orkney Cheese?
Orkney cheese comes from the Orkney Islands in Scotland. It is a cheddar-like cheese, known for its sharp, robust flavor and firm texture. Made from cow's milk, Orkney cheese is typically matured for several months and is popular for its depth of flavor, which pairs well with fruits and wines.
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 Cheese and Reblochon Cheese?
- Origin: Orkney Cheese (United Kingdom), Reblochon Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Orkney Cheese (Unpasteurized), Reblochon Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Orkney Cheese (Lactic, crumbly, semifirm), Reblochon Cheese (Ivory-colored, creamy and supple)
- Rind: Orkney Cheese (33–36%), Reblochon Cheese (Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold)
- Taste: Orkney Cheese (Fresh character), Reblochon Cheese (creamy, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Orkney Cheese | Reblochon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | United Kingdom | France |
| Specific Origin | Orkney Islands | Haute-Savoie And Savoie |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Raw whole cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Lactic, crumbly, semifirm | Ivory-colored, creamy and supple |
| Rind | 33–36% | Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold |
| Aging | — | 3 to 4 months |
| Taste | Fresh character | Creamy, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Orkney Cheese Taste Like Reblochon Cheese?
Orkney Cheese reads as fresh character, while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty character.
Can You Substitute Orkney Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?
In most recipes, Orkney Cheese and Reblochon Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect lactic, crumbly, semifirm bite and body where the recipe calls for ivory-colored, creamy and supple. Flavor-wise, Orkney Cheese reads as fresh character while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Orkney Cheese or Reblochon Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a lactic, crumbly, semifirm cheese, go with Orkney Cheese. For a ivory-colored, creamy and supple profile, Reblochon Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Orkney Cheese suits recipes that want fresh character notes, while Reblochon Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, nutty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orkney Cheese the same as Reblochon Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Orkney Cheese originates in United Kingdom, while Reblochon Cheese comes from France.
Is Orkney Cheese similar to Reblochon Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Orkney Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Orkney Cheese taste like Reblochon Cheese?
Orkney Cheese reads as fresh character, while Reblochon Cheese is creamy, nutty.
What is Orkney Cheese made of?
Orkney Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in United Kingdom.
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 Cheese or Reblochon Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Orkney Cheese is lactic, crumbly, semifirm, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple.