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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
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".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili taste. 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) .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Pimento is ranked #129 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Pimento | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Pimento pages.
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 | Not Specified |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Not Specified |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Spreadable |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Sweet, rounded chili |
| Aroma | Varies | Sweet, rounded chili |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Not Specified |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Grated cheese mixed into a spread |
| Age | A few months to several years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a spreadable consistency, Pimento might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pimento offers a sweet, rounded chili profile, ideal for different meals.
