Iberico Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

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

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

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

Country of Origin

Iberico Cheese comes from Spain. 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. Iberico is not a protected cheese. Taleggio 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. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.

Composition and Texture

Iberico's texture can be described as "hard". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Taste and Aroma

Iberico Cheese has a buttery, nutty, strong taste. Iberico's aroma can be described as "aromatic, rich". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Iberico Cheese's appearance is colored white . 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

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

Ranking

Iberico is ranked #83 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #41 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Iberico and Taleggio 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 soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Iberico has a buttery, nutty, strong taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Iberico Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses