Cheddar Cheese vs Pimento Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Pimento Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Pimento Cheese?"
  • "Is Cheddar Cheese and Pimento Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese?"
  • "Is Cheddar Cheese or Pimento 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.

Pimento Cheese Overview

Pimento cheese is a popular spread in the Southern United States, made from cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. Sometimes referred to as the "pâté of the South," it has a creamy, tangy flavor and is often used as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for crackers, or a dip for vegetables.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 866 types based on community views.

Pimento is ranked #94 out of 866 types based on community views.

Country of Origin

Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Pimento Cheese originated from United States.

Milk Type and Treatment

Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Pimento Cheese is made with unknown milk.

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)". Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable".

Flavor and Aroma

Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory flavor. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili flavor. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili".

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 . Pimento Cheese comes in grated cheese mixed into a spread .

Rind and Rennet Type

Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Cheddar Cheese Pimento Cheese
Country of Origin England United States
Specific Origin Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) Southern United States
Milk Type cow's milk Cheddar, farmers’ style
Milk Treatment Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized
Fat Content At least 50% fat in dry matter
Moisture Content Up to 39%
Rind Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)
Texture Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) Spreadable
Flavor Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory Sweet, rounded chili
Aroma Varies Sweet, rounded chili
Colors Natural or dyed orange
Forms Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks Grated cheese mixed into a spread
Age A few months to several years

Compare Cheddar Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pimento Cheese to Other Cheeses

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