Pimento Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Pimento Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Pimento Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese?"
- "Is Pimento Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese the same?"
- "How does Pimento Cheese compare to Red Leicester Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Pimento Cheese compare to Red Leicester Cheese?"
- "Is Pimento Cheese or Red Leicester Cheese better?"
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.
Red Leicester Cheese Overview
Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Pimento Cheese comes from United States. Red Leicester Cheese originated from United Kingdom.
Milk Type and Treatment
Pimento Cheese is made with unknown milk. Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable". Red Leicester Cheese has a fat content of high and a moisture content of . Red Leicester's texture can be described as "hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly".
Taste and Aroma
Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili taste. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili". Red Leicester Cheese has a caramel, sweet taste. Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild".
Appearance and Aging
Pimento Cheese's appearance is available in grated cheese mixed into a spread . Red Leicester Cheese has a color of reddish-orange , comes in traditional cylindrical, industrial block and has an aging period of 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial .
Rind and Rennet Type
Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) , with animal rennet.
Ranking
Pimento is ranked #129 out of 996 types based on community views. Red Leicester is ranked #68 out of 996 types based on community views.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Pimento Cheese | Red Leicester Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | United States | United Kingdom |
Specific Origin | Southern United States | Leicestershire |
Milk Type | Cheddar, farmers’ style | Cow's milk |
Milk Treatment | Not Specified | Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others) |
Fat Content | Not Specified | High |
Moisture Content | Not Specified | Medium |
Rind | Not Specified | Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial) |
Texture | Spreadable | Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly |
Taste | Sweet, rounded chili | Caramel, sweet |
Aroma | Sweet, rounded chili | Mild |
Colors | Not Specified | Reddish-orange |
Forms | Grated cheese mixed into a spread | Traditional cylindrical, industrial block |
Age | Not Specified | 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial |
Rennet Type | Not Specified | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a spreadable cheese, go for Pimento. But if you enjoy a hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly consistency, Red Leicester might be the better pick. Pimento has a sweet, rounded chili taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Red Leicester offers a caramel, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.