Reblochon Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Reblochon Cheese is a ivory-colored, creamy and supple cow-milk cheese from France, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
What Is Reblochon Cheese?
Reblochon is a soft, washed-rind cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. It tastes nutty, holds an AOC designation, and is the cheese that makes tartiflette work.
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 Reblochon Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Texture: Reblochon Cheese (Ivory-colored, creamy and supple), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Rind: Reblochon Cheese (Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
- Aging: Reblochon Cheese (3 to 4 months), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Reblochon Cheese (creamy, nutty), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Reblochon Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | Haute-Savoie And Savoie | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Raw whole cow’s milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Ivory-colored, creamy and supple | Firm |
| Rind | Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | 3 to 4 months | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Creamy, nutty | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Reblochon Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Reblochon Cheese reads as creamy, nutty, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Reblochon Cheese shows nutty taste that lingers in the mouth, 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. Aging plays into this as well. Reblochon Cheese at 3 to 4 months develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Reblochon Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Reblochon Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese 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 firm. Flavor-wise, Reblochon Cheese reads as creamy, nutty while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Reblochon 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 ivory-colored, creamy and supple cheese, go with Reblochon Cheese. For a firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Reblochon Cheese suits recipes that want creamy, nutty 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 Reblochon Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Reblochon Cheese is typically aged 3 to 4 months, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Reblochon Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Reblochon Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Reblochon Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Reblochon Cheese reads as creamy, nutty, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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 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, Reblochon Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.