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.

Compare Gorgonzola Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Ricotta Salata Cheese to Other Cheeses

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