Reblochon Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)
Reblochon Cheese is a ivory-colored, creamy and supple cow-milk cheese from France, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.
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 Is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.
What's the Difference Between Reblochon Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
- Origin: Reblochon Cheese (France), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
- Texture: Reblochon Cheese (Ivory-colored, creamy and supple), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened)
- Rind: Reblochon Cheese (Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (washed)
- Taste: Reblochon Cheese (creamy, nutty), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Reblochon Cheese | Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Australia |
| Specific Origin | Haute-Savoie And Savoie | — |
| Milk Type | Raw whole cow’s milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Ivory-colored, creamy and supple | Soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened |
| Rind | Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold | Washed |
| Aging | 3 to 4 months | — |
| Taste | Creamy, nutty | Nutty, sharp, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Reblochon Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Reblochon Cheese reads as creamy, nutty, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Reblochon Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
In most recipes, Reblochon Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect ivory-colored, creamy and supple bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened. Flavor-wise, Reblochon Cheese reads as creamy, nutty while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Reblochon Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a ivory-colored, creamy and supple cheese, go with Reblochon Cheese. For a soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Reblochon Cheese suits recipes that want creamy, nutty notes, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Reblochon Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Reblochon Cheese originates in France, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia.
Is Reblochon Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Reblochon Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Reblochon Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Reblochon Cheese reads as creamy, nutty, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet.
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.
What is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?
Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.
Which should I choose, Reblochon Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened.