Mozzarella Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

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

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

Mozzarella Cheese Overview

Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese originally from Southern Italy. Traditionally made from water buffalo milk (mozzarella di bufala), it's also commonly produced from cow's milk (fior di latte). Mozzarella is famous for its mild, milky flavor and stretchy texture, making it ideal for pizzas and caprese salads.

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

Ranking

Mozzarella is ranked #38 out of 376 types.

Taleggio is ranked #58 out of 376 types.

Country of Origin

Mozzarella Cheese comes from Italy. 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. Mozzarella is not a protected cheese. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Mozzarella Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with unknown milk that is typically heated.

Composition and Texture

Mozzarella Cheese has a fat content of varies and a moisture content of high. Mozzarella's texture can be described as "soft, creamy". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Flavor and Aroma

Mozzarella Cheese has a mild, milky flavor. Mozzarella's aroma can be described as "mild". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour flavor. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Mozzarella Cheese's appearance is colored white , is available in balls, blocks, shredded and is aged eaten fresh . 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

Mozzarella Cheese's rind is described as none and uses calf's or microbial rennet. Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Mozzarella Cheese Taleggio Cheese
Country of Origin Italy Italy
Specific Origin Val Taleggio, Po Valley
Certification None PDO (1996)
Milk Type Cow's Whole raw or pasteurized milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Heated to 90–95°F
Fat Content Varies
Moisture Content High
Rind None Soft, thin, pinkish-red
Texture Soft, creamy Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center
Flavor Mild, milky Sweet, delicate, slightly sour
Aroma Mild Herbaceous, aromatic
Colors White Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside
Forms Balls, blocks, shredded Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight
Age Eaten fresh At least 35 (up to 50) days
Rennet Type Calf's or microbial rennet Calf rennet

Compare Mozzarella Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses