Gouda Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

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

  • "What is the difference between Gouda Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?"
  • "Is Gouda Cheese and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Gouda Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Gouda Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
  • "Is Gouda Cheese or Taleggio Cheese better?"

Gouda Cheese Overview

Gouda is a famous Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is typically made from cow's milk and aged to develop a rich, caramel-like sweetness with a smooth, firm texture. Young Gouda is mild and creamy, while aged Gouda becomes hard and crumbly with intense flavors.

Taleggio Cheese Overview

Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Gouda is ranked #2 out of 375 types.

Taleggio is ranked #60 out of 375 types.

Country of Origin

Gouda Cheese comes from Netherlands. Taleggio 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. Gouda is not a protected cheese. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Gouda Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with unknown milk that is typically heated.

Composition and Texture

Gouda Cheese has a moisture content of reduced by scalding. Gouda's texture can be described as "varies". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Flavor and Aroma

Gouda Cheese has a sweet to nutty flavor. Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour flavor. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Gouda Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in large wheels and is aged varies . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Gouda Cheese's rind is described as durable . Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Gouda Cheese Taleggio Cheese
Country of Origin Netherlands Italy
Specific Origin Southern Holland Val Taleggio, Po Valley
Certification None PDO (1996)
Milk Type Cow’s milk Whole raw or pasteurized milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Heated to 90–95°F
Moisture Content Reduced by scalding
Rind Durable Soft, thin, pinkish-red
Texture Varies Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center
Flavor Sweet to nutty Sweet, delicate, slightly sour
Aroma Herbaceous, aromatic
Colors Yellow Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside
Forms Large wheels Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight
Age Varies At least 35 (up to 50) days
Rennet Type Calf rennet

Compare Gouda Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses