Pepato Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese
Pepato Cheese
Taleggio Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Pepato Cheese and Taleggio Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Pepato Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Pepato Cheese and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
- "How does Pepato Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Pepato Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Pepato Cheese or Taleggio Cheese better?"
Pepato Cheese Overview
Pepato is a variety of Pecorino that is studded with whole peppercorns, adding a spicy kick to the otherwise nutty and salty flavor of the sheep's milk cheese. This hard, granular cheese is excellent for grating over dishes to add depth and a peppery zest.
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
Pepato 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. Pepato is not a protected cheese. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Pepato Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically unpasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.
Composition and Texture
Pepato's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".
Taste and Aroma
Pepato Cheese has a salty, spicy taste. Pepato's aroma can be described as "spicy". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Pepato Cheese's appearance is colored straw . 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
Pepato Cheese's rind is described as natural . Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.
Ranking
Pepato is ranked #183 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #41 out of 996 types based on community views.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Pepato Cheese | Taleggio Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy | Italy |
Specific Origin | Not Specified | Val Taleggio, Po Valley |
Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Heated to 90–95°F |
Rind | Natural | Soft, thin, pinkish-red |
Texture | Semi-hard, artisan | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center |
Taste | Salty, spicy | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour |
Aroma | Spicy | Herbaceous, aromatic |
Colors | Straw | Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside |
Forms | Not Specified | Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight |
Age | Not Specified | At least 35 (up to 50) days |
Rennet Type | Not Specified | Calf rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a semi-hard, artisan cheese, go for Pepato. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Pepato has a salty, spicy taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.