Cheddar Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
What Is West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a traditional firm cheese made in the historical counties of Dorset, Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall. It is crafted from locally sourced cow’s milk and matures for at least 9 months. The cheese has a creamy yellow color and a nutty, full-rounded flavor with a hint of sharpness. It is made using a process that includes cheddaring, milling, and mechanical pressing. The milk primarily comes from the cheesemakers' own herds and nearby farms. The method of production has remained largely unchanged since the 15th century. The cheese is matured naturally within the designated geographical area to develop its distinct taste.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | — |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Firm |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | — |
| Aging | A few months to several years | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Cheddar Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | — |
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Where to buy Cheddar Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness 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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese leans toward rich, deep, and slightly sharp from natural aging. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar 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 varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized). It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese made of?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged minimum 9 months.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.
See full profiles: Cheddar Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese.