Kasseri Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese
Kasseri Cheese
Taleggio Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Kasseri Cheese and Taleggio Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Kasseri Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Kasseri Cheese and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
- "How does Kasseri Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Kasseri Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Kasseri Cheese or Taleggio Cheese better?"
Kasseri Cheese Overview
Kasseri is a semi-hard cheese made predominantly from sheep's milk, with up to 20% goat's milk allowed. Originating in Greece, it is smooth and pale yellow, known for its elastic texture and mild, buttery flavor with a slight tang. Kasseri is often used in pies, pastries, and as a table cheese, especially in Greek and Turkish cuisines.
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
Kasseri Cheese comes from Greece. 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. Kasseri Cheese has a PDO (1996). Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Kasseri Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.
Composition and Texture
Kasseri's texture can be described as "firm to hard". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".
Taste and Aroma
Kasseri Cheese has a rich taste. Kasseri's aroma can be described as "flowery". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Kasseri Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow , is available in wheels and is aged at least 2 months, peak at 10+ months . 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
Kasseri Cheese's rind is described as develops as ages and uses natural rennet. Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.
Ranking
Kasseri is ranked #112 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #27 out of 996 types based on community views.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Kasseri Cheese | Taleggio Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Greece | Italy |
Specific Origin | Thrace, Macedonia, Thessaly, Lesbos | Val Taleggio, Po Valley |
Certification | PDO (1996) | PDO (1996) |
Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
Milk Treatment | Traditionally raw, increasingly pasteurized | Heated to 90–95°F |
Rind | Develops as ages | Soft, thin, pinkish-red |
Texture | Firm to hard | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center |
Taste | Rich | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour |
Aroma | Flowery | Herbaceous, aromatic |
Colors | Pale yellow | Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside |
Forms | Wheels | Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight |
Age | At least 2 months, peak at 10+ months | At least 35 (up to 50) days |
Rennet Type | Natural rennet | Calf rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a firm to hard cheese, go for Kasseri. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Kasseri has a rich taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.