Roquefort Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese

Roquefort Cheese

Cheddar Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Roquefort Cheese and Cheddar Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Roquefort Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?"
  • "Is Roquefort Cheese and Cheddar Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Roquefort Cheese compare to Cheddar Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Roquefort Cheese compare to Cheddar Cheese?"
  • "Is Roquefort Cheese or Cheddar Cheese better?"

Roquefort Cheese Overview

Roquefort is a famous blue cheese from the south of France, made from sheep's milk. It is known for its strong, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture. The cheese is ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where it develops its characteristic blue veins from the mold Penicillium roqueforti.

Cheddar Cheese Overview

Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Roquefort is ranked #19 out of 866 types based on community views.

Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 866 types based on community views.

Country of Origin

Roquefort Cheese comes from France. Cheddar Cheese originated from England.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Roquefort Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1925). Cheddar is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Roquefort Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically unpasteurized. Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized.

Composition and Texture

Roquefort's texture can be described as "moist, very creamy". Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of none. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)".

Flavor and Aroma

Roquefort Cheese has a mild to strong flavor. Roquefort's aroma can be described as "sweet". Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory flavor. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies".

Appearance and Aging

Roquefort Cheese's appearance is colored blue-veined , is available in wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil and is aged minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months . Cheddar Cheese has a color of natural or dyed orange , comes in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and has an aging period of a few months to several years .

Rind and Rennet Type

Roquefort Cheese uses animal rennet. Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Roquefort Cheese Cheddar Cheese
Country of Origin France England
Specific Origin Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, South Of France Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester)
Certification PDO (1996), AOC (1925) None
Milk Type Sheep's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Unpasteurized Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized
Fat Content None At least 50% fat in dry matter
Moisture Content None Up to 39%
Rind None Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)
Texture Moist, very creamy Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)
Flavor Mild to strong Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory
Aroma Sweet Varies
Colors Blue-veined Natural or dyed orange
Forms Wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks
Age Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months A few months to several years
Rennet Type Animal None

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a moist, very creamy cheese, go for Roquefort. But if you enjoy a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) consistency, Cheddar might be the better pick. Roquefort has a mild to strong flavor, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Cheddar offers a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Roquefort Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Cheddar Cheese to Other Cheeses

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