Bitto Cheese vs White Leicester Cheese
Bitto Cheese
White Leicester Cheese
Bitto Cheese is a fine-grained, sometimes with very few small holes; hard cheese from one year cow and goat-milk cheese from Italy, while White Leicester Cheese is , originating in United Kingdom.
What Is Bitto Cheese?
Bitto is a raw-milk PDO cheese from the alpine pastures of Sondrio in Lombardy, made only between 1 June and 30 September from cow's milk, sometimes with up to 10 percent goat's milk. Young wheels taste mild and sweet, and some are aged for years.
What Is White Leicester Cheese?
White Leicester, also known as Leicester or Leicestershire cheese, is similar to Red Leicester but lacks the annatto coloring, resulting in a natural pale color. It has a firm texture and a rich, mellow, nutty flavor. This cheese is excellent for melting over dishes and is a popular choice for cheeseboards.
What's the Difference Between Bitto Cheese and White Leicester Cheese?
- Origin: Bitto Cheese (Italy), White Leicester Cheese (United Kingdom)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Bitto Cheese | White Leicester Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Province Of Sondrio, Lombardy, Including Neighboring Upland Pastures Of Lecco And Bergamo | England |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk primarily, with non-mandatory addition of raw goat’s milk up to 10% | — |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Fine-grained, sometimes with very few small holes; hard cheese from one year | — |
| Rind | Smooth, 2 to 4 mm thick, straw-yellow turning brownish yellow with age | — |
| Aging | Minimum of 70 days | — |
| Taste | Mild and sweet when young, stronger and spicier with age | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Bitto Cheese Taste Like White Leicester Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Bitto Cheese for White Leicester Cheese?
Bitto Cheese can stand in for White Leicester Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Bitto Cheese or White 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 Bitto Cheese the same as White Leicester Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Bitto Cheese originates in Italy, while White Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom.
Is Bitto Cheese similar to White Leicester Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Bitto Cheese for White Leicester Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Bitto Cheese taste like White Leicester Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Bitto Cheese made of?
Bitto Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (raw), using calf rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 70 days. It originates in Italy.
What is White Leicester Cheese made of?
White Leicester Cheese is made from milk. It originates in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Bitto Cheese or White Leicester Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.