Cheddar Cheese vs Strathdon Blue Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in Scotland.
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 Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Strathdon Blue is a full-fat blue cheese made in Tain, Scotland, by Highland Fine Cheeses. It is made with pasteurised milk and vegetarian rennet, tastes tangy, and won a gold medal at the 2007 British Cheese Awards.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Strathdon Blue Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Strathdon Blue Cheese (Scotland)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Strathdon Blue Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Strathdon Blue Cheese (semi-soft, blue-veined)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Strathdon Blue Cheese (creamy, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Strathdon Blue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Scotland |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Tain, Scotland |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semi-soft, blue-veined |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | — |
| Aging | A few months to several years | — |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Creamy, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Strathdon Blue Cheese brings creamy, salty character. More specifically, Cheddar Cheese shows from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer, while Strathdon Blue Cheese leans toward tangy.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Strathdon Blue Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Strathdon Blue 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 semi-soft, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Strathdon Blue Cheese brings creamy, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Strathdon Blue 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 semi-soft, blue-veined profile, Strathdon Blue Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Strathdon Blue Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, salty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Strathdon Blue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Strathdon Blue Cheese comes from Scotland.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Strathdon Blue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Strathdon Blue Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Strathdon Blue Cheese is creamy, 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 Strathdon Blue Cheese made of?
Strathdon Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It originates in Scotland.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Strathdon Blue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Strathdon Blue Cheese is semi-soft, blue-veined.