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.

Compare Pimento Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Red Leicester Cheese to Other Cheeses

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