Roumy Cheese vs Swaledale Ewes' Cheese
Roumy Cheese is a hard cow and buffalo-milk cheese from Egypt, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly and made from sheep milk.
What Is Roumy Cheese?
Rumi, also spelled Roumy, is the main hard cheese of Egypt, made from cow's or buffalo milk with no starter culture. Three to four months of aging give it an open texture, a pungent smell and a sharp flavor that gets saltier with age.
What Is Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
Swaledale Ewes Cheese is a full-fat hard cheese made from ewe’s milk in Swaledale, North Yorkshire. It has a cylindrical shape, a firm and crumbly texture, and a natural white color. The cheese is either coated in a greenish-blue-grey mold or sealed with black wax. Made entirely by hand, the traditional production process includes pressing, brining for 24 hours, and a maturation period of 3 to 4 weeks. The cheese has been produced in the region for centuries using a closely guarded recipe passed down through generations. The distinct flavor is influenced by the local pastures, which provide a unique mix of herbs and grasses for the sheep.
What's the Difference Between Roumy Cheese and Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
- Milk type: Roumy Cheese (cow's and water buffalo's milk), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Sheep)
- Texture: Roumy Cheese (hard), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Hard, firm, crumbly)
- Rind: Roumy Cheese (natural), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (Greenish-blue-grey mold or black wax coating)
- Aging: Roumy Cheese (3 to 4 months), Swaledale Ewes' Cheese (3 to 4 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Roumy Cheese | Swaledale Ewes' Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Egypt | — |
| Specific Origin | Egypt | Swaledale, North Yorkshire |
| Milk Type | Cow's and water buffalo's milk | Sheep |
| Texture | Hard | Hard, firm, crumbly |
| Rind | Natural | Greenish-blue-grey mold or black wax coating |
| Aging | 3 to 4 months | 3 to 4 weeks |
| Taste | Salty, sharp, strong | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Roumy Cheese Taste Like Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Roumy Cheese at 3 to 4 months develops a different profile than Swaledale Ewes' Cheese at 3 to 4 weeks.
Can You Substitute Roumy Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
Roumy Cheese can stand in for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, firm, crumbly.
Which Is Better, Roumy Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Roumy Cheese. For a hard, firm, crumbly profile, Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roumy Cheese the same as Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Roumy Cheese is made from cow and buffalo milk; Swaledale Ewes' Cheese uses sheep. Aging also differs: Roumy Cheese is typically aged 3 to 4 months, Swaledale Ewes' Cheese 3 to 4 weeks.
Is Roumy Cheese similar to Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Roumy Cheese for Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Roumy Cheese taste like Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Roumy Cheese made of?
Roumy Cheese is made from cow and buffalo milk. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in Egypt.
What is Swaledale Ewes' Cheese made of?
Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 3 to 4 weeks.
Which should I choose, Roumy Cheese or Swaledale Ewes' Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Roumy Cheese is hard, while Swaledale Ewes' Cheese is hard, firm, crumbly.