Iberico Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Iberico Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese, including:

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

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.

Red Leicester Cheese Overview

Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Iberico Cheese comes from Spain. Red Leicester Cheese originated from United Kingdom.

Milk Type and Treatment

Iberico Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Iberico's texture can be described as "hard". Red Leicester Cheese has a fat content of high and a moisture content of none. Red Leicester's texture can be described as "hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly".

Taste and Aroma

Iberico Cheese has a buttery, nutty, strong taste. Iberico's aroma can be described as "aromatic, rich". Red Leicester Cheese has a caramel, sweet taste. Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild".

Appearance and Aging

Iberico Cheese's appearance is colored white . Red Leicester Cheese has a color of reddish-orange , comes in traditional cylindrical, industrial block and has an aging period of 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial .

Rind and Rennet Type

Iberico Cheese's rind is described as natural . Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Iberico is ranked #90 out of 996 types based on community views. Red Leicester is ranked #68 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Iberico and Red Leicester pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Iberico. But if you enjoy a hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly consistency, Red Leicester might be the better pick. Iberico has a buttery, nutty, strong taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Red Leicester offers a caramel, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Iberico Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Red Leicester Cheese to Other Cheeses