Gorgonzola Cheese vs Iberico Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Gorgonzola Cheese and Iberico Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Gorgonzola Cheese and Iberico Cheese?"
- "Is Gorgonzola Cheese and Iberico Cheese the same?"
- "How does Gorgonzola Cheese compare to Iberico Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Gorgonzola Cheese compare to Iberico Cheese?"
- "Is Gorgonzola Cheese or Iberico Cheese better?"
Gorgonzola Cheese Overview
Gorgonzola is one of the world's oldest blue-veined cheeses, produced in Northern Italy. It's rich and creamy with a sharp, piquant flavor that varies depending on its age. Gorgonzola can be spicy (Piccante) or sweet (Dolce), with the latter being softer and less aged.
Iberico Cheese Overview
Queso Iberico is a hard cheese from Spain made using a blend of cow's, goat's, and sheep's milk. It can be crafted from either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk, contributing to its rich and aromatic profile. This cheese has a buttery and nutty flavor with a strong taste that captures the essence of its mixed milk origins. The cheese is typically white in color and features a natural rind. Known also as Iberico Cheese, it offers a satisfying density and a complex taste that pairs well with a variety of foods. Its rich aroma and firm texture make it a popular choice for cheese lovers seeking a traditional Spanish flavor.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Gorgonzola Cheese comes from Italy. Iberico Cheese originated from Spain.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Gorgonzola Cheese has a PDO (1996). Iberico is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Gorgonzola Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Iberico Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Gorgonzola Cheese has a fat content of 25-35%. Gorgonzola's texture can be described as "soft to crumbly". Iberico's texture can be described as "hard".
Taste and Aroma
Gorgonzola Cheese has a sweet to savory taste. Gorgonzola's aroma can be described as "nutty". Iberico Cheese has a buttery, nutty, strong taste. Iberico's aroma can be described as "aromatic, rich".
Appearance and Aging
Gorgonzola Cheese's appearance is colored straw-white, blue-green veins , is available in 13 to 26 pounds and is aged 2 to 3 months . Iberico Cheese has a color of white .
Rind and Rennet Type
Gorgonzola Cheese's rind is described as none . Iberico Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Gorgonzola is ranked #20 out of 996 types based on community views. Iberico is ranked #89 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
Gorgonzola | Iberico | |
---|---|---|
Best Pairings | Asti Spumante, Dried Fruit, Steak | Vinho Verde |
Other Good Pairings | Bresaola | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Gorgonzola and Iberico pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Gorgonzola Cheese | Iberico Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy | Spain |
Specific Origin | Lombardy, Piedmont | Not Specified |
Certification | PDO (1996) | Not Specified |
Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk |
Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
Fat Content | 25-35% | Not Specified |
Rind | None | Natural |
Texture | Soft to crumbly | Hard |
Taste | Sweet to savory | Buttery, nutty, strong |
Aroma | Nutty | Aromatic, rich |
Colors | Straw-white, blue-green veins | White |
Forms | 13 to 26 pounds | Not Specified |
Age | 2 to 3 months | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft to crumbly cheese, go for Gorgonzola. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, Iberico might be the better pick. Gorgonzola has a sweet to savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Iberico offers a buttery, nutty, strong profile, ideal for different meals.