Cheddar Cheese vs Selva Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Selva Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Spain.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.
What Is Selva Cheese?
Selva is a soft, artisan cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk in Fornells de la Selva, Gironès, Spain. It has a pale yellow color and a natural rind. The cheese features a balanced combination of bitter, buttery, and salty flavors, offering a pleasant taste experience. Its aroma is inviting, making it an appealing choice for cheese enthusiasts. With a fat content of 45%, Selva has a rich and creamy texture. This cheese is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of flavors in a soft cheese. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Selva Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Selva Cheese (Spain)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Selva Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Selva Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Selva Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Selva Cheese (bitter, buttery, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Selva Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Spain |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Fornells De La Selva, Gironès |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Natural |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Bitter, buttery, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Selva Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Selva Cheese brings bitter, buttery, salty character.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Selva Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Selva Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Selva Cheese brings bitter, buttery, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Selva Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Selva Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Selva Cheese fits dishes calling for bitter, buttery, salty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Selva Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Selva Cheese comes from Spain.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Selva Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Selva Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Selva Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Selva Cheese is bitter, buttery, salty.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Selva Cheese made of?
Selva Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Spain.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Selva Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Selva Cheese is soft, artisan.