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Camembert Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese
Camembert Cheese
Taleggio Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Camembert Cheese and Taleggio Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Camembert Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Camembert Cheese and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
- "How does Camembert Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Camembert Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Camembert Cheese or Taleggio Cheese better?"
Camembert Cheese Overview
Camembert is a famous French cheese with a soft, creamy interior and a bloomy rind. It's made from cow's milk and has a rich, buttery flavor with earthy undertones. True Camembert from Normandy has a slightly more intense flavor compared to other varieties and becomes runnier as it ages.
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
Camembert Cheese comes from France. 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. Camembert is not a protected cheese. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Camembert Cheese is made with cow milk. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.
Composition and Texture
Camembert's texture can be described as "soft, artisan". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".
Taste and Aroma
Camembert Cheese has a sweet taste. Camembert's aroma can be described as "buttery, rich". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Camembert Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow . 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
Camembert Cheese's rind is described as bloomy . Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.
Ranking
Camembert is ranked #11 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #27 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Camembert | Taleggio | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Gamay, GrĂĽner Veltliner, Hard Cider, Viognier | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Cabernet Franc, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Fig Jam, Fruit Compote, Grapes, Kolsch, Merlot, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, White Burgundy | Amaro, Barleywine |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Camembert and Taleggio pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Camembert Cheese | Taleggio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Val Taleggio, Po Valley |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Not Specified | Heated to 90–95°F |
| Rind | Bloomy | Soft, thin, pinkish-red |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center |
| Taste | Sweet | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour |
| Aroma | Buttery, rich | Herbaceous, aromatic |
| Colors | Pale yellow | 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 soft, artisan cheese, go for Camembert. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Camembert has a sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.
