Gorgonzola Cheese vs Ricotta Salata Cheese
Gorgonzola Cheese
Ricotta Salata Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Gorgonzola Cheese and Ricotta Salata Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Gorgonzola Cheese and Ricotta Salata Cheese?"
- "Is Gorgonzola Cheese and Ricotta Salata Cheese the same?"
- "How does Gorgonzola Cheese compare to Ricotta Salata Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Gorgonzola Cheese compare to Ricotta Salata Cheese?"
- "Is Gorgonzola Cheese or Ricotta Salata 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.
Ricotta Salata Cheese Overview
Ricotta Salata is a pressed, salted, dried, and aged version of ricotta, which turns it into a firm, crumbly cheese with a mild, milky flavor and a slightly salty bite. It's frequently grated over pasta, salads, or used in cooked dishes where a gentle cheese flavor is desired.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Gorgonzola Cheese comes from Italy. Ricotta Salata Cheese originated from Italy.
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). Ricotta Salata is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Gorgonzola Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Ricotta Salata Cheese is made with sheep milk.
Composition and Texture
Gorgonzola Cheese has a fat content of 25-35%. Gorgonzola's texture can be described as "soft to crumbly". Ricotta Salata's texture can be described as "semi-hard, whey".
Taste and Aroma
Gorgonzola Cheese has a sweet to savory taste. Gorgonzola's aroma can be described as "nutty".
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 .
Rind and Rennet Type
Gorgonzola Cheese's rind is described as none .
Ranking
Gorgonzola is ranked #20 out of 996 types based on community views. Ricotta Salata is ranked #69 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
Gorgonzola | Ricotta Salata | |
---|---|---|
Best Pairings | Asti Spumante, Dried Fruit, Steak | No pairings listed. |
Other Good Pairings | Bresaola | Vinho Verde |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Gorgonzola and Ricotta Salata pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Gorgonzola Cheese | Ricotta Salata Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
Specific Origin | Lombardy, Piedmont | Not Specified |
Certification | PDO (1996) | Not Specified |
Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Not Specified |
Fat Content | 25-35% | Not Specified |
Rind | None | Not Specified |
Texture | Soft to crumbly | Semi-hard, whey |
Taste | Sweet to savory | Not Specified |
Aroma | Nutty | Not Specified |
Colors | Straw-white, blue-green veins | Not Specified |
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 semi-hard, whey consistency, Ricotta Salata might be the better pick.