Sfela Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Sfela Cheese is a semi-hard goat or sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
What Is Sfela Cheese?
Sfela is a semi-hard cheese from the Peloponnese region of Greece. Made from sheep's milk or a mix of sheep and goat milk, it is often fried due to its high melting point. Sfela has a salty, tangy flavor, making it a popular choice for traditional Greek fried cheese 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 Sfela Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk type: Sfela Cheese (Raw sheep’s milk or combination with goat’s milk), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Cow)
- Texture: Sfela Cheese (Semi-hard), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Taste: Sfela Cheese (Unique personality), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Sfela Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | — |
| Specific Origin | Messinia And Laconia, Peloponnese | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Raw sheep’s milk or combination with goat’s milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Firm |
| Rind | — | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | — | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Unique personality | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Sfela Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Sfela Cheese reads as unique personality, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Sfela Cheese shows harder than feta, excellent aroma, unique personality, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese leans toward sharp and pungent, often slightly earthy, with a hazelnut note and large calcium lactate crystals when well matured.
Can You Substitute Sfela Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Sfela Cheese can stand in for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for firm. Flavor-wise, Sfela Cheese reads as unique personality while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Sfela 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-hard cheese, go with Sfela Cheese. For a firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Sfela Cheese suits recipes that want unique personality notes, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sfela Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Sfela Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk; West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese uses cow.
Is Sfela Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Sfela Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Sfela Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Sfela Cheese reads as unique personality, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
What is Sfela Cheese made of?
Sfela Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (raw), using traditional rennet. It originates in Greece.
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, Sfela Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Sfela Cheese is semi-hard, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.