Aged Cheese vs Ricotta Cheese
Aged Cheese is a cheese, while Ricotta Cheese is soft, moist and made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk, originating in Italy.
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 Ricotta Cheese?
Ricotta is an Italian whey cheese made from the leftover whey of sheep, cow, goat, or water buffalo milk cheesemaking. The fresh curds are creamy white and slightly sweet, and they turn up in cannoli and cheesecakes as readily as in lasagne and ravioli.
What's the Difference Between Aged Cheese and Ricotta Cheese?
- Aging: Aged Cheese (three weeks to two or more years), Ricotta Cheese (Fresh)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aged Cheese | Ricotta Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Italy |
| Specific Origin | — | Italy |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Whey |
| Texture | — | Soft, moist |
| Rind | — | None |
| Aging | Three weeks to two or more years | Fresh |
| Taste | — | Sweet, slightly creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Aged Cheese Taste Like Ricotta 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 Ricotta Cheese at fresh.
Can You Substitute Aged Cheese for Ricotta Cheese?
Aged Cheese can stand in for Ricotta Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Aged Cheese or Ricotta 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 Ricotta Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Aged Cheese is typically aged three weeks to two or more years, Ricotta Cheese fresh.
Is Aged Cheese similar to Ricotta Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Aged Cheese for Ricotta Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Aged Cheese taste like Ricotta 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 Ricotta Cheese made of?
Ricotta Cheese is made from cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk (whey), using animal or microbial rennet. It's typically aged fresh. It originates in Italy.
Which should I choose, Aged Cheese or Ricotta Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.