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Gruyère Cheese vs Pimento Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Gruyère Cheese and Pimento Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Gruyère Cheese and Pimento Cheese?"
- "Is Gruyère Cheese and Pimento Cheese the same?"
- "How does Gruyère Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Gruyère Cheese compare to Pimento Cheese?"
- "Is Gruyère Cheese or Pimento Cheese better?"
Gruyère Cheese Overview
Gruyère is a famous Swiss hard cheese, known for its rich, creamy, slightly nutty flavor. It is typically aged for six months or more and has a dense, slightly grainy texture. Gruyère is a staple in fondue and is also used in French onion soup, croque-monsieur, and various baked dishes.
Pimento Cheese Overview
Pimento cheese is a popular spread in the Southern United States, made from cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. Sometimes referred to as the "pâté of the South," it has a creamy, tangy flavor and is often used as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for crackers, or a dip for vegetables.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Gruyère Cheese comes from Switzerland. Pimento Cheese originated from United States.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Gruyère Cheese has a AOP (2007), PGI (2007), GI (2011). Pimento is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Gruyère Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Pimento Cheese is made with unknown milk.
Composition and Texture
Gruyère Cheese has a fat content of around 32-35% fat in dry matter, which translates to about 45-50% overall fat content. and a moisture content of approximately 35-37%, characteristic of its dense texture.. Gruyère's texture can be described as "dense, moister". Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable".
Taste and Aroma
Gruyère Cheese has a nutty, complex taste. Gruyère's aroma can be described as "earthy, fruity, possibly barnyardy". Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili taste. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili".
Appearance and Aging
Gruyère Cheese's appearance is colored varies , is available in cylindrical and is aged 5 months to 24+ . Pimento Cheese comes in grated cheese mixed into a spread .
Rind and Rennet Type
Gruyère Cheese's rind is described as natural, orangy and uses animal rennet.
Ranking
Gruyère is ranked #41 out of 996 types based on community views. Pimento is ranked #101 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Gruyère | Pimento | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Beaujolais, Chardonnay, Clam Chowder, Cod, Dijon Mustard, Grilled Cheese, Grüner Veltliner, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Mushrooms | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Asparagus, Madeira, Olives, White Burgundy | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Gruyère and Pimento pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Gruyère Cheese | Pimento Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | United States |
| Specific Origin | Switzerland, Specifically The Gruyère Region. | Southern United States |
| Certification | AOP (2007), PGI (2007), GI (2011) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow’s milk | Cheddar, farmers’ style |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Not Specified |
| Fat Content | Around 32-35% fat in dry matter, which translates to about 45-50% overall fat content. | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Approximately 35-37%, characteristic of its dense texture. | Not Specified |
| Rind | Natural, orangy | Not Specified |
| Texture | Dense, moister | Spreadable |
| Taste | Nutty, complex | Sweet, rounded chili |
| Aroma | Earthy, fruity, possibly barnyardy | Sweet, rounded chili |
| Colors | Varies | Not Specified |
| Forms | Cylindrical | Grated cheese mixed into a spread |
| Age | 5 months to 24+ | Not Specified |
| Rennet Type | Animal | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a dense, moister cheese, go for Gruyère. But if you enjoy a spreadable consistency, Pimento might be the better pick. Gruyère has a nutty, complex taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Pimento offers a sweet, rounded chili profile, ideal for different meals.
