Scamorza Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Scamorza Cheese is a semi-soft cow-milk cheese from Italy, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
What Is Scamorza Cheese?
Scamorza is a southern Italian pasta filata cheese, usually made from cow's milk. It is tied with string and hung to dry into a pear-like shape, sold unsmoked or smoked, and works as a substitute for mozzarella in most dishes.
What Is West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a firm cow's milk cheese made by traditional methods in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Its name has been protected in the EU and UK since 2007, and only milk from those four counties may be used.
What's the Difference Between Scamorza Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Texture: Scamorza Cheese (semi-soft), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Rind: Scamorza Cheese (natural), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Scamorza Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Apulia And Calabria, Southern Italy | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-soft | Firm |
| Rind | Natural | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | — | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | — | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Scamorza Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Scamorza Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Scamorza Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for firm.
Which Is Better, Scamorza Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Scamorza Cheese. For a firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Scamorza Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Scamorza Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Scamorza Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Scamorza Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Scamorza Cheese made of?
Scamorza Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in Italy.
What is West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese made of?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum 9 months.
Which should I choose, Scamorza Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Scamorza Cheese is semi-soft, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.