Cheddar Cheese vs Colby Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Colby Cheese
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Colby Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Colby Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Colby Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Colby Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Colby Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Colby Cheese better?"
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Colby Cheese Overview
Colby is an American cheese that originated in Colby, Wisconsin. It is similar to cheddar but is softer, moister, and milder in flavor. Colby is made from cow's milk and has a slightly elastic texture with a creamy, mild flavor that makes it popular in cheeseburgers and sandwiches.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 377 types based on community views.
Colby is ranked #30 out of 377 types based on community views.
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Colby Cheese originated from United States.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Colby Cheese is made with unknown milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Colby Cheese has a fat content of ~31–32% (total weight basis) and a moisture content of up to 39%. Colby's texture can be described as "slightly curdy, softer".
Flavor and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory flavor. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Colby Cheese has a mild, milky flavor.
Appearance and Aging
Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years . Colby Cheese has a color of orange , comes in longhorn, minihorn, blocks, shreds, colby jack and has an aging period of < 3 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Colby Cheese's rind is described as none .
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Cheddar Cheese | Colby Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | United Kingdom | United States |
Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Colby, Wisconsin |
Milk Type | Cow's, sometimes goat's, sheep's, or buffalo's | Whole Milk |
Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | ~31–32% (total weight basis) |
Moisture Content | Up to 39% | 40% |
Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | None |
Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Slightly curdy, softer |
Flavor | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Mild, milky |
Aroma | Varies | |
Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Orange |
Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Longhorn, minihorn, blocks, shreds, Colby Jack |
Age | A few months to several years | < 3 months |