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Cheddar Cheese vs Port Salut Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Port Salut Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Port Salut Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Port Salut Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Port Salut Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Port Salut Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Port Salut Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Port Salut 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.
Port Salut Cheese Overview
Port Salut is a semi-soft cheese originally made by Trappist monks. It has a distinctive orange rind and a mild, savory flavor. Known for its smooth and creamy texture, Port Salut is a versatile cheese that's easily sliced and melts well, making it suitable for cooking as well as a table cheese.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Port Salut Cheese originated from France.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Port Salut Cheese is made with cow 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)". Port Salut Cheese has a fat content of 72.70%. Port Salut's texture can be described as "semi-soft".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Port Salut Cheese has a acidic, mellow taste.
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 . Port Salut Cheese has a color of pale yellow .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Port Salut Cheese's rind is described as washed .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Port Salut is ranked #114 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Port Salut | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Port Salut pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Port Salut Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | France |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Brittany |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | 72.70% |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Washed |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semi-soft |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Acidic, mellow |
| Aroma | Varies | Not Specified |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Pale yellow |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Not Specified |
| 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 semi-soft consistency, Port Salut might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Port Salut offers a acidic, mellow profile, ideal for different meals.
