Pasta Filata Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Pasta Filata Cheese is a soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous cow or buffalo-milk cheese, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
What Is Pasta Filata Cheese?
Pasta filata is the Italian spun-curd technique behind mozzarella, provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza. Fresh curd is kneaded in hot water until it turns soft, elastic and stringy, which gives the finished cheese its fibrous structure.
What Is West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a firm cow's milk cheese made by traditional methods in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Its name has been protected in the EU and UK since 2007, and only milk from those four counties may be used.
What's the Difference Between Pasta Filata Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk type: Pasta Filata Cheese (cow, water buffalo), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Cow)
- Texture: Pasta Filata Cheese (soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Aging: Pasta Filata Cheese (fresh for mozzarella, aged for provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pasta Filata Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Origin | Italy | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow, water buffalo | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous | Firm |
| Rind | — | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | Fresh for mozzarella, aged for provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | — | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Pasta Filata Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Pasta Filata Cheese at fresh for mozzarella, aged for provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Pasta Filata Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Pasta Filata Cheese can stand in for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous bite and body where the recipe calls for firm.
Which Is Better, Pasta Filata Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous cheese, go with Pasta Filata Cheese. For a firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pasta Filata Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Pasta Filata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk; West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Pasta Filata Cheese is typically aged fresh for mozzarella, aged for provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Pasta Filata Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pasta Filata Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Pasta Filata Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Pasta Filata Cheese made of?
Pasta Filata Cheese is made from cow or buffalo milk. It's typically aged fresh for mozzarella, aged for provolone, caciocavallo and scamorza.
What is West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese made of?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum 9 months.
Which should I choose, Pasta Filata Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pasta Filata Cheese is soft, elastic and stringy, fibrous, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.