Comté Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese, including:

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

Red Leicester Cheese Overview

Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Comté Cheese comes from France. Red Leicester Cheese originated from United Kingdom.

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). Red Leicester is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". Red Leicester Cheese has a fat content of high and a moisture content of none. Red Leicester's texture can be described as "hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly".

Taste and Aroma

Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Red Leicester Cheese has a caramel, sweet taste. Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild".

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 . Red Leicester Cheese has a color of reddish-orange , comes in traditional cylindrical, industrial block and has an aging period of 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial .

Rind and Rennet Type

Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural . Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Comté is ranked #73 out of 996 types based on community views. Red Leicester is ranked #68 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and Red Leicester pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly consistency, Red Leicester might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Red Leicester offers a caramel, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Comté Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Red Leicester Cheese to Other Cheeses