Raclette Cheese vs Strathdon Blue Cheese
Raclette Cheese is a semisoft, smooth cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in Scotland.
What Is Raclette Cheese?
Raclette is a Swiss cheese and the dish made from it: the cheese is heated and the melted part is scraped off, usually onto boiled potatoes. It comes from the canton of Valais, where the cheese carries an AOP.
What Is Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Strathdon Blue is a full-fat blue cheese made in Tain, Scotland, by Highland Fine Cheeses. It is made with pasteurised milk and vegetarian rennet, tastes tangy, and won a gold medal at the 2007 British Cheese Awards.
What's the Difference Between Raclette Cheese and Strathdon Blue Cheese?
- Origin: Raclette Cheese (Switzerland), Strathdon Blue Cheese (Scotland)
- Milk treatment: Raclette Cheese (Raw), Strathdon Blue Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth), Strathdon Blue Cheese (semi-soft, blue-veined)
- Taste: Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic), Strathdon Blue Cheese (creamy, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Raclette Cheese | Strathdon Blue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | Scotland |
| Specific Origin | Alpine Regions | Tain, Scotland |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semisoft, smooth | Semi-soft, blue-veined |
| Rind | Washed | — |
| Aging | 3-4 months | — |
| Taste | Mildly acidic | Creamy, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Raclette Cheese Taste Like Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic, while Strathdon Blue Cheese brings creamy, salty character. More specifically, Raclette Cheese shows 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal', while Strathdon Blue Cheese leans toward tangy.
Can You Substitute Raclette Cheese for Strathdon Blue Cheese?
In most recipes, Raclette Cheese and Strathdon Blue Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semisoft, smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic while Strathdon Blue Cheese brings creamy, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Raclette Cheese or Strathdon Blue Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semisoft, smooth cheese, go with Raclette Cheese. For a semi-soft, blue-veined profile, Strathdon Blue Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Raclette Cheese suits recipes that want mildly acidic notes, while Strathdon Blue Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, salty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raclette Cheese the same as Strathdon Blue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Raclette Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Strathdon Blue Cheese comes from Scotland.
Is Raclette Cheese similar to Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Raclette Cheese for Strathdon Blue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Raclette Cheese taste like Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is creamy, salty.
What is Raclette Cheese made of?
Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3-4 months. It originates in Switzerland.
What is Strathdon Blue Cheese made of?
Strathdon Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It originates in Scotland.
Which should I choose, Raclette Cheese or Strathdon Blue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined.