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Comté Cheese vs Pimento Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Pimento Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Pimento Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese and Pimento Cheese the same?"
- "How does Comté Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese or Pimento Cheese better?"
Comté Cheese Overview
Comté is a French cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. It is one of the most popular AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) cheeses, known for its complex flavors which can include hints of apricot, chocolate, butter, cream, hazelnuts, and toast. Comté is aged for a minimum of four months, with some wheels maturing for over a year to develop a deeper flavor profile.
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
Comté Cheese comes from France. Pimento Cheese originated from United States.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Comté Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1958). Pimento is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Pimento Cheese is made with unknown milk.
Composition and Texture
Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable".
Taste and Aroma
Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili taste. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili".
Appearance and Aging
Comté Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow , is available in wide, flat wheels and is aged 4 months to 3 years . Pimento Cheese comes in grated cheese mixed into a spread .
Rind and Rennet Type
Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Comté is ranked #72 out of 996 types based on community views. Pimento is ranked #108 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Comté | Pimento | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | White Burgundy | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and Pimento pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Comté Cheese | Pimento Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | United States |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Jura | Southern United States |
| Certification | PDO (1996), AOC (1958) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cheddar, farmers’ style |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Not Specified |
| Rind | Natural | Not Specified |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | Spreadable |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | Sweet, rounded chili |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Sweet, rounded chili |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Not Specified |
| Forms | Wide, flat wheels | Grated cheese mixed into a spread |
| Age | 4 months to 3 years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a spreadable consistency, Pimento might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pimento offers a sweet, rounded chili profile, ideal for different meals.
