Rocamadour Cheese vs Stawley Cheese
Rocamadour Cheese is a soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured) goat-milk cheese from France, while Stawley Cheese is soft and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What Is Rocamadour Cheese?
Rocamadour is a very small raw goat's milk cheese from southwest France, named after the village of Rocamadour in the Lot. It is soft, creamy and white, weighs about 35 grams, and has carried AOC status since 1996.
What Is Stawley Cheese?
Stawley is a soft cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Somerset, England. It has a pale yellow color and a mold-ripened rind that contributes to its unique aroma of mushroom and nutty scents. The flavor profile of Stawley includes notes of caramel, floral, milky, and sweet, creating a pleasant and balanced taste experience. Its soft texture makes it easy to spread or enjoy on its own. Ideal for cheese boards, it pairs well with fresh bread or a light wine. This cheese reflects the traditional methods and quality of the region's cheesemaking.
What's the Difference Between Rocamadour Cheese and Stawley Cheese?
- Origin: Rocamadour Cheese (France), Stawley Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Texture: Rocamadour Cheese (Soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured)), Stawley Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Rocamadour Cheese (White, soft (early); (matured)), Stawley Cheese (mold ripened)
- Taste: Rocamadour Cheese (Mild; becomes stronger), Stawley Cheese (caramel, floral, milky, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Rocamadour Cheese | Stawley Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Communes Of The Causses Du Quercy | Stawley, Near Wellington, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured) | Soft |
| Rind | White, soft (early); (matured) | Mold ripened |
| Aging | Between 6 and 10 days; longer for drier, stronger flavor | — |
| Taste | Mild; becomes stronger | Caramel, floral, milky, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Rocamadour Cheese Taste Like Stawley Cheese?
Rocamadour Cheese reads as mild; becomes stronger, while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet character. On the nose, Rocamadour Cheese offers creamy, buttery, distinctive goat smell, contrasted with Stawley Cheese's mushroom, nutty.
Can You Substitute Rocamadour Cheese for Stawley Cheese?
In most recipes, Rocamadour Cheese and Stawley Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are goat-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured) bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Rocamadour Cheese reads as mild; becomes stronger while Stawley Cheese brings caramel, floral, milky, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Rocamadour Cheese or Stawley Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured) cheese, go with Rocamadour Cheese. For a soft profile, Stawley Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Rocamadour Cheese suits recipes that want mild; becomes stronger notes, while Stawley Cheese fits dishes calling for caramel, floral, milky, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Rocamadour Cheese the same as Stawley Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Rocamadour Cheese originates in France, while Stawley Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Is Rocamadour Cheese similar to Stawley Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a goat-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Rocamadour Cheese for Stawley Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Rocamadour Cheese taste like Stawley Cheese?
Rocamadour Cheese reads as mild; becomes stronger, while Stawley Cheese is caramel, floral, milky, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Rocamadour Cheese leans creamy, buttery, distinctive goat smell, and Stawley Cheese is closer to mushroom, nutty.
What is Rocamadour Cheese made of?
Rocamadour Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged between 6 and 10 days; longer for drier, stronger flavor. It originates in France.
What is Stawley Cheese made of?
Stawley Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Rocamadour Cheese or Stawley Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Rocamadour Cheese is soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured), while Stawley Cheese is soft.