Roquefort Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)

Roquefort Cheese is a moist, very creamy sheep-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 Roquefort Cheese?

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.

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 Roquefort Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

• Origin: Roquefort Cheese (France), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
• Milk type: Roquefort Cheese (sheep's milk), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (cow's milk)
• Texture: Roquefort Cheese (Moist, very creamy), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened)
• Taste: Roquefort Cheese (Mild to strong), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Roquefort Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Roquefort Cheese reads as mild to strong, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character. On the nose, Roquefort Cheese offers sweet, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)'s earthy, strong.

Can You Substitute Roquefort Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Roquefort Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect moist, very creamy bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened. Flavor-wise, Roquefort Cheese reads as mild to strong while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Roquefort 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 moist, very creamy cheese, go with Roquefort Cheese. For a soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Roquefort Cheese suits recipes that want mild to strong notes, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Roquefort Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Roquefort Cheese originates in France, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia. Roquefort Cheese is made from sheep milk; Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) uses cow.

Is Roquefort Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Roquefort Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Roquefort Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

Roquefort Cheese reads as mild to strong, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Roquefort Cheese leans sweet, and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is closer to earthy, strong.

What is Roquefort Cheese made of?

Roquefort Cheese is made from sheep milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 90 days, average of 5 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, Roquefort Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened.