Pule Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Pule Cheese is a artisan cheese from Serbia, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
What Is Pule Cheese?
Pule, or magareći sir, is a Serbian cheese made from 60% Balkan donkey milk and 40% goat's milk at the Zasavica Nature Reserve. It is reported to be the world's most expensive cheese at US$1300 per kilogram.
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 Pule Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk type: Pule Cheese (donkey's milk), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Cow)
- Texture: Pule Cheese (artisan), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Taste: Pule Cheese (nutty and earthy), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Pule Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Serbia | — |
| Specific Origin | Zasavica | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Donkey's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Artisan | Firm |
| Rind | — | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | — | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Nutty and earthy | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Pule Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Pule Cheese reads as nutty and earthy, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Pule Cheese shows nutty and earthy, reputedly similar to manchego, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese leans toward sharp and pungent, often slightly earthy, with a hazelnut note and large calcium lactate crystals when well matured.
Can You Substitute Pule Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Pule 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 artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for firm. Flavor-wise, Pule Cheese reads as nutty and earthy while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Pule 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 artisan cheese, go with Pule Cheese. For a firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Pule Cheese suits recipes that want nutty and earthy notes, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pule Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Pule Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Pule Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Pule Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Pule Cheese reads as nutty and earthy, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
What is Pule Cheese made of?
Pule Cheese is made from milk. It originates in Serbia.
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, Pule Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Pule Cheese is artisan, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.