Iberico Cheese vs Stilton Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Iberico Cheese and Stilton Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Iberico Cheese and Stilton Cheese?"
- "Is Iberico Cheese and Stilton Cheese the same?"
- "How does Iberico Cheese compare to Stilton Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Iberico Cheese compare to Stilton Cheese?"
- "Is Iberico Cheese or Stilton 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.
Stilton Cheese Overview
Stilton is one of the best-known British blue cheeses, traditionally made in two varieties: blue and white. Blue Stilton is creamy and crumbly with a distinctively sharp, rich flavor produced by the blue veins. White Stilton, less common, is the milder of the two and does not have the blue veining.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Iberico Cheese comes from Spain. Stilton Cheese originated from England.
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. Stilton Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Iberico Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Stilton Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Iberico's texture can be described as "hard". Stilton's texture can be described as "hard, blue-veined".
Taste and Aroma
Iberico Cheese has a buttery, nutty, strong taste. Iberico's aroma can be described as "aromatic, rich". Stilton Cheese has a spicy, strong taste.
Appearance and Aging
Iberico Cheese's appearance is colored white . Stilton Cheese has a color of blue-grey .
Rind and Rennet Type
Iberico Cheese's rind is described as natural . Stilton Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Iberico is ranked #89 out of 996 types based on community views. Stilton is ranked #24 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
Iberico | Stilton | |
---|---|---|
Best Pairings | Vinho Verde | Barleywine, Madeira |
Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Iberico and Stilton pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Iberico Cheese | Stilton Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Spain | England |
Specific Origin | Not Specified | Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire |
Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
Milk Type | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
Rind | Natural | Natural |
Texture | Hard | Hard, blue-veined |
Taste | Buttery, nutty, strong | Spicy, strong |
Aroma | Aromatic, rich | Not Specified |
Colors | White | Blue-grey |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Iberico. But if you enjoy a hard, blue-veined consistency, Stilton might be the better pick. Iberico has a buttery, nutty, strong taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Stilton offers a spicy, strong profile, ideal for different meals.