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.