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Époisses Cheese vs Pimento Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Époisses Cheese and Pimento Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Époisses Cheese and Pimento Cheese?"
- "Is Époisses Cheese and Pimento Cheese the same?"
- "How does Époisses Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Époisses Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese?"
- "Is Époisses Cheese or Pimento Cheese better?"
Époisses Cheese Overview
Époisses is a strongly flavored, washed-rind cheese from Burgundy, made from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy texture and rich, intense flavor with hints of barnyard and bacon. The rind is washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy during maturation, contributing to its characteristic strong smell and deep orange color. Époisses is typically eaten with crusty bread or used to add depth to sauces.
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
Époisses 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. Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991). Pimento is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Époisses Cheese is made with cow milk. Pimento Cheese is made with unknown milk.
Composition and Texture
Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy". Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable".
Taste and Aroma
Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth". Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili taste. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili".
Appearance and Aging
Époisses Cheese's appearance is colored orange ivory to brick red , is available in small and large sizes and is aged minimum of 28 days . Pimento Cheese comes in grated cheese mixed into a spread .
Rind and Rennet Type
Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind .
Ranking
Époisses is ranked #30 out of 996 types based on community views. Pimento is ranked #108 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Époisses | Pimento | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Burgundy Red | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Époisses and Pimento pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Époisses Cheese | Pimento Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | United States |
| Specific Origin | Auxois And Terre Plaine, Burgundy | Southern United States |
| Certification | PDO (1996), AOC (1991) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cheddar, farmers’ style |
| Rind | Washed-rind | Not Specified |
| Texture | Soft and creamy | Spreadable |
| Taste | Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced | Sweet, rounded chili |
| Aroma | Undergrowth | Sweet, rounded chili |
| Colors | Orange ivory to brick red | Not Specified |
| Forms | Small and large sizes | Grated cheese mixed into a spread |
| Age | Minimum of 28 days | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft and creamy cheese, go for Époisses. But if you enjoy a spreadable consistency, Pimento might be the better pick. Époisses has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pimento offers a sweet, rounded chili profile, ideal for different meals.
