Brunost Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

Brunost Cheese

Taleggio Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Brunost Cheese and Taleggio Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Brunost Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?"
  • "Is Brunost Cheese and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Brunost Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Brunost Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
  • "Is Brunost Cheese or Taleggio Cheese better?"

Brunost Cheese Overview

Brunost, or "brown cheese," is a distinctly Norwegian dairy product, often classified as a cheese, though it differs from traditional cheeses. It is made by boiling down the whey of goat's milk, cow's milk, or a combination of both, until the water evaporates, and the natural milk sugars caramelize. This process gives Brunost its unique brown color, sweet caramel-like flavor, and fudge-like texture. It is commonly sliced thin and served on bread, crispbreads, or waffles.

Taleggio Cheese Overview

Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Brunost Cheese comes from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. Taleggio Cheese originated from Italy.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Brunost is not a protected cheese. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Brunost Cheese is made with cow and goat milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.

Composition and Texture

Brunost's texture can be described as "semi-soft, whey". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Taste and Aroma

Brunost Cheese has a caramel, sweet taste. Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Brunost Cheese's appearance is colored brown . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Brunost Cheese's rind is described as natural . Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Ranking

Brunost is ranked #7 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #41 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Brunost Cheese Taleggio Cheese
Country of Origin Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway And Sweden Italy
Specific Origin Not Specified Val Taleggio, Po Valley
Certification Not Specified PDO (1996)
Milk Type Cow's and goat's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized or unpasteurized Heated to 90–95°F
Rind Natural Soft, thin, pinkish-red
Texture Semi-soft, whey Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center
Taste Caramel, sweet Sweet, delicate, slightly sour
Aroma Not Specified Herbaceous, aromatic
Colors Brown Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside
Forms Not Specified Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight
Age Not Specified At least 35 (up to 50) days
Rennet Type Not Specified Calf rennet

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-soft, whey cheese, go for Brunost. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Brunost has a caramel, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Brunost Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses

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