Roquefort Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese

Roquefort Cheese is a moist, very creamy sheep-milk cheese from France, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.

What Is Roquefort Cheese?

Roquefort is a blue cheese made from raw Lacaune sheep's milk in southern France. Only cheese ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon may carry the name. It is tangy and creamy, with no rind and a sharp bite from the blue veins.

What Is Washed Rind Cheese?

Washed-rind cheese, also called smear-ripened, is cured over and over with brine or mold-bearing agents as it ripens. That feeds Brevibacterium linens on the surface, which gives the cheese its pungent smell, firm rind and distinctive flavor.

What's the Difference Between Roquefort Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese?

• Texture: Roquefort Cheese (Moist, very creamy), Washed Rind Cheese (soft to hard)
• Rind: Roquefort Cheese (none), Washed Rind Cheese (washed, firm)
• Taste: Roquefort Cheese (Mild to strong), Washed Rind Cheese (pungent, distinctive)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Roquefort Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese?

Roquefort Cheese reads as mild to strong, while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive character. On the nose, Roquefort Cheese offers sweet, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese's pungent.

Can You Substitute Roquefort Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

Roquefort Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese 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 to hard. Flavor-wise, Roquefort Cheese reads as mild to strong while Washed Rind Cheese brings pungent, distinctive notes.

Which Is Better, Roquefort Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

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 to hard profile, Washed Rind Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Roquefort Cheese suits recipes that want mild to strong notes, while Washed Rind Cheese fits dishes calling for pungent, distinctive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Roquefort Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses.

Is Roquefort Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Roquefort Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Roquefort Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese?

Roquefort Cheese reads as mild to strong, while Washed Rind Cheese is pungent, distinctive. Aromas also diverge. Roquefort Cheese leans sweet, and Washed Rind Cheese is closer to pungent.

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 made of?

Washed Rind Cheese is made from milk.

Which should I choose, Roquefort Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Roquefort Cheese is moist, very creamy, while Washed Rind Cheese is soft to hard.