Aged Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese
Aged Cheese is a cheese, while Red Leicester Cheese is hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.
What Is Aged Cheese?
Aged cheese is cheese that has gone through ripening, the stage after manufacture when enzymes, bacteria and moulds build its taste, texture and body. Ripening runs from about three weeks to more than two years, and all cheese except fresh cheese gets it.
What Is Red Leicester Cheese?
Red Leicester is an English cow's milk cheese from Leicestershire, close to Cheddar but crumblier. Annatto gives it its orange colour, and four to nine months of ageing takes it from mild and mellow to tangy and slightly nutty.
What's the Difference Between Aged Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese?
- Aging: Aged Cheese (three weeks to two or more years), Red Leicester Cheese (6 months (traditional), varies for industrial)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aged Cheese | Red Leicester Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | — | Leicestershire |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others) |
| Texture | — | Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly |
| Rind | — | Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial) |
| Aging | Three weeks to two or more years | 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial |
| Taste | — | Caramel, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Aged Cheese Taste Like Red Leicester Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Aged Cheese at three weeks to two or more years develops a different profile than Red Leicester Cheese at 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial.
Can You Substitute Aged Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?
Aged Cheese can stand in for Red Leicester Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Aged Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aged Cheese the same as Red Leicester Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Aged Cheese is typically aged three weeks to two or more years, Red Leicester Cheese 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial.
Is Aged Cheese similar to Red Leicester Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Aged Cheese for Red Leicester Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Aged Cheese taste like Red Leicester Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Aged Cheese made of?
Aged Cheese is made from milk. It's typically aged three weeks to two or more years.
What is Red Leicester Cheese made of?
Red Leicester Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized (sparkenhoe farm), pasteurized (others)), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial. It originates in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Aged Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.