Queijo de Évora vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Queijo de Évora is a semi-hard sheep-milk cheese, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
What Is Queijo de Évora?
Queijo de Évora is a PDO ewe's milk cheese from Évora, in Portugal's Alentejo. It is cured, hard or semi-hard, yellowish in color, and known for a slightly acidic flavor with a light peppery bite.
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 Queijo de Évora and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk type: Queijo de Évora (Ewe's milk), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Cow)
- Texture: Queijo de Évora (Semi-hard), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Rind: Queijo de Évora (Sealed), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Queijo de Évora | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Specific Origin | Évora, Alentejo, Portugal | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Ewe's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Firm |
| Rind | Sealed | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | — | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | — | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Queijo de Évora Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Queijo de Évora for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Queijo de Évora can stand in for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for firm.
Which Is Better, Queijo de Évora 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 semi-hard cheese, go with Queijo de Évora. For a firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Queijo de Évora the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Queijo de Évora is made from sheep milk; West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese uses cow.
Is Queijo de Évora similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Queijo de Évora for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Queijo de Évora 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 Queijo de Évora made of?
Queijo de Évora is made from sheep milk (raw), using cardoon (cynara cardunculus) rennet.
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, Queijo de Évora or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Queijo de Évora is semi-hard, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.