Iberico Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Iberico Cheese and Roquefort Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Iberico Cheese and Roquefort Cheese?"
- "Is Iberico Cheese and Roquefort Cheese the same?"
- "How does Iberico Cheese compare to Roquefort Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Iberico Cheese compare to Roquefort Cheese?"
- "Is Iberico Cheese or Roquefort 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.
Roquefort Cheese Overview
Roquefort is a famous blue cheese from the south of France, made from sheep's milk. It is known for its strong, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture. The cheese is ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where it develops its characteristic blue veins from the mold Penicillium roqueforti.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Iberico Cheese comes from Spain. Roquefort Cheese originated from France.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Iberico is not a protected cheese. Roquefort Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1925).
Milk Type and Treatment
Iberico Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Roquefort Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Iberico's texture can be described as "hard". Roquefort's texture can be described as "moist, very creamy".
Taste and Aroma
Iberico Cheese has a buttery, nutty, strong taste. Iberico's aroma can be described as "aromatic, rich". Roquefort Cheese has a mild to strong taste. Roquefort's aroma can be described as "sweet".
Appearance and Aging
Iberico Cheese's appearance is colored white . Roquefort Cheese has a color of blue-veined , comes in wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil and has an aging period of minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Iberico Cheese's rind is described as natural . Roquefort Cheese uses animal rennet.
Ranking
Iberico is ranked #89 out of 996 types based on community views. Roquefort is ranked #17 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
Iberico | Roquefort | |
---|---|---|
Best Pairings | Vinho Verde | Bordeaux |
Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | Barleywine, Beaujolais, Madeira, Port |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Iberico and Roquefort pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Iberico Cheese | Roquefort Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Spain | France |
Specific Origin | Not Specified | Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, South Of France |
Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996), AOC (1925) |
Milk Type | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk | Sheep's milk |
Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
Rind | Natural | Not Specified |
Texture | Hard | Moist, very creamy |
Taste | Buttery, nutty, strong | Mild to strong |
Aroma | Aromatic, rich | Sweet |
Colors | White | Blue-veined |
Forms | Not Specified | Wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil |
Age | Not Specified | Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months |
Rennet Type | Not Specified | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Iberico. But if you enjoy a moist, very creamy consistency, Roquefort might be the better pick. Iberico has a buttery, nutty, strong taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Roquefort offers a mild to strong profile, ideal for different meals.