Colby Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese
Colby Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Colby Cheese and Cheddar Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Colby Cheese and Cheddar Cheese?"
- "Is Colby Cheese and Cheddar Cheese the same?"
- "How does Colby Cheese compare to Cheddar Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Colby Cheese compare to Cheddar Cheese?"
- "Is Colby Cheese or Cheddar Cheese better?"
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.
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.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Ranking
Colby is ranked #28 out of 375 types.
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 375 types.
Country of Origin
Colby Cheese comes from United States. Cheddar Cheese originated from United Kingdom.
Milk Type and Treatment
Colby Cheese is made with unknown milk that is typically pasteurized. Cheddar Cheese is made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized.
Composition and Texture
Colby Cheese has a fat content of ~31–32% (total weight basis) and a moisture content of 40%. Colby's texture can be described as "slightly curdy, softer". Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of 40%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)".
Flavor and Aroma
Colby Cheese has a mild, milky flavor. Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory flavor. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies".
Appearance and Aging
Colby Cheese's appearance is colored orange , is available in longhorn, minihorn, blocks, shreds, colby jack and is aged < 3 months . Cheddar Cheese has a color of natural or dyed orange , comes in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and has an aging period of a few months to several years .
Rind and Rennet Type
Colby Cheese's rind is described as none . Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Colby Cheese | Cheddar Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
Specific Origin | Colby, Wisconsin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) |
Milk Type | Whole Milk | Cow's, sometimes goat's, sheep's, or buffalo's |
Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized |
Fat Content | ~31–32% (total weight basis) | At least 50% fat in dry matter |
Moisture Content | 40% | Up to 39% |
Rind | None | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) |
Texture | Slightly curdy, softer | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) |
Flavor | Mild, milky | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory |
Aroma | Varies | |
Colors | Orange | Natural or dyed orange |
Forms | Longhorn, minihorn, blocks, shreds, Colby Jack | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks |
Age | < 3 months | A few months to several years |