Blue Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.
What Is Blue Cheese?
A type of cheese injected or inoculated with Penicillium mold to create blue or green veins, resulting in a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy or crumbly texture.
What Is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
- Origin: Blue Cheese (France), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
- Milk type: Blue Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (cow's milk)
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened)
- Rind: Blue Cheese (Natural), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (washed)
- Taste: Blue Cheese (Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Australia |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | — |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened |
| Rind | Natural | Washed |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Nutty, sharp, sweet |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Amaro, Apricot, Asian Pear, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Apple, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, IPA, Malbec, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Port, Scotch, Steak | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Apples, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, California Viogniers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Olives, Prosciutto, Roast Beef | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Blue Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)
Blue Cheese
Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character. On the nose, Blue Cheese offers strong, pungent, earthy, funky, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)'s earthy, strong.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect crumbly, creamy, semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cheese, go with Blue Cheese. For a soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent notes, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese originates in France, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia. Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) uses cow.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Blue Cheese leans strong, pungent, earthy, funky, and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is closer to earthy, strong.
What is Blue Cheese made of?
Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or raw), using traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically aged 2-6 months. It originates in France.
What is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?
Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian).