Vlašić Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Vlašić Cheese is a solid, spreadable sheep-milk cheese from Bosnia and Herzegovina, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
What Is Vlašić Cheese?
Vlašić, also sold as Travnik cheese, is a white brined cheese from the Vlašić mountain above Travnik in central Bosnia and Herzegovina. Traditionally made from sheep milk, it ripens in brine and comes out mostly dry and quite salty.
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 Vlašić Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk type: Vlašić Cheese (Ewe’s milk), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Cow)
- Milk treatment: Vlašić Cheese (Strained), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Vlašić Cheese (Solid, spreadable), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Aging: Vlašić Cheese (Minimum 60 days), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Vlašić Cheese (Milky sour, moderately salty), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Vlašić Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Bosnia And Herzegovina | — |
| Specific Origin | Vlašić Mountain | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Ewe’s milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Strained | Raw |
| Texture | Solid, spreadable | Firm |
| Rind | — | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | Minimum 60 days | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Milky sour, moderately salty | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Vlašić Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Vlašić Cheese reads as milky sour, moderately salty, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Vlašić Cheese shows pleasant without foreign material, milky sour, and moderately salty taste, 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. Aging plays into this as well. Vlašić Cheese at minimum 60 days develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Vlašić Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Vlašić 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 solid, spreadable bite and body where the recipe calls for firm. Flavor-wise, Vlašić Cheese reads as milky sour, moderately salty while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Vlašić 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 solid, spreadable cheese, go with Vlašić Cheese. For a firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Vlašić Cheese suits recipes that want milky sour, moderately salty 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 Vlašić Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Vlašić Cheese is made from sheep milk; West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Vlašić Cheese is typically aged minimum 60 days, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Vlašić Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Vlašić Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Vlašić Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Vlašić Cheese reads as milky sour, moderately salty, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
What is Vlašić Cheese made of?
Vlašić Cheese is made from sheep milk (strained), using local natural calf rennet. It's typically aged minimum 60 days. It originates in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
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, Vlašić Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Vlašić Cheese is solid, spreadable, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.