Gorgonzola Cheese vs Ricotta Cheese

Gorgonzola Cheese

Ricotta Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Gorgonzola Cheese and Ricotta Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Gorgonzola Cheese and Ricotta Cheese?"
  • "Is Gorgonzola Cheese and Ricotta Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Gorgonzola Cheese compare to Ricotta Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Gorgonzola Cheese compare to Ricotta Cheese?"
  • "Is Gorgonzola Cheese or Ricotta 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 Cheese Overview

Ricotta is a soft Italian cheese made from the whey left over from the production of other cheeses, primarily sheep, cow, goat, or buffalo milk. It has a creamy texture and a mild, sweet flavor, making it versatile for both savory dishes, like lasagna and ravioli, and sweet dishes, such as cheesecakes and cannoli.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Gorgonzola is ranked #18 out of 375 types.

Ricotta is ranked #23 out of 375 types.

Country of Origin

Gorgonzola Cheese comes from Italy. Ricotta 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 is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Gorgonzola Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Ricotta Cheese is made with cow, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically unknown.

Composition and Texture

Gorgonzola's texture can be described as "soft to crumbly". Ricotta Cheese has a fat content of varies and a moisture content of none. Ricotta's texture can be described as "soft, moist".

Flavor and Aroma

Gorgonzola Cheese has a sweet to savory flavor. Ricotta Cheese has a sweet, slightly creamy flavor. Ricotta's aroma can be described as "mild".

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 . Ricotta Cheese has a color of white , comes in grainy soft mass and has an aging period of fresh .

Rind and Rennet Type

Gorgonzola Cheese's rind is described as none . Ricotta Cheese's rind is described as none , with animal or microbial rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Gorgonzola Cheese Ricotta Cheese
Country of Origin Italy Italy
Specific Origin Lombardy, Piedmont
Certification PDO (1996) None
Milk Type Cow’s milk Cow's, Sheep's, Buffalo's
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Whey
Fat Content Varies
Moisture Content High
Rind None None
Texture Soft to crumbly Soft, moist
Flavor Sweet to savory Sweet, slightly creamy
Aroma Mild
Colors Straw-white, blue-green veins White
Forms 13 to 26 pounds Grainy soft mass
Age 2 to 3 months Fresh
Rennet Type Animal or Microbial

Compare Gorgonzola Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Ricotta Cheese to Other Cheeses