Pimento Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Pimento Cheese and Roquefort Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Pimento Cheese and Roquefort Cheese?"
  • "Is Pimento Cheese and Roquefort Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Pimento Cheese compare to Roquefort Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Pimento Cheese compare to Roquefort Cheese?"
  • "Is Pimento Cheese or Roquefort 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.

Roquefort Cheese Overview

Roquefort is a famous blue cheese from the south of France, made from sheep's milk. It is known for its strong, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture. The cheese is ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where it develops its characteristic blue veins from the mold Penicillium roqueforti.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Pimento Cheese comes from United States. Roquefort Cheese originated from France.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Pimento is not a protected cheese. Roquefort Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1925).

Milk Type and Treatment

Pimento Cheese is made with unknown milk. Roquefort Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable". Roquefort's texture can be described as "moist, very creamy".

Taste and Aroma

Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili taste. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili". Roquefort Cheese has a mild to strong taste. Roquefort's aroma can be described as "sweet".

Appearance and Aging

Pimento Cheese's appearance is available in grated cheese mixed into a spread . Roquefort Cheese has a color of blue-veined , comes in wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil and has an aging period of minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Roquefort Cheese uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Pimento is ranked #126 out of 996 types based on community views. Roquefort is ranked #18 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Pimento Roquefort
Best Pairings No pairings listed. Bordeaux
Other Good Pairings No additional pairings listed. Barleywine, Beaujolais, Madeira, Port

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Pimento and Roquefort pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Pimento Cheese Roquefort Cheese
Country of Origin United States France
Specific Origin Southern United States Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, South Of France
Certification Not Specified PDO (1996), AOC (1925)
Milk Type Cheddar, farmers’ style Sheep's milk
Milk Treatment Not Specified Unpasteurized
Texture Spreadable Moist, very creamy
Taste Sweet, rounded chili Mild to strong
Aroma Sweet, rounded chili Sweet
Colors Not Specified Blue-veined
Forms Grated cheese mixed into a spread Wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil
Age Not Specified Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months
Rennet Type Not Specified Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a spreadable cheese, go for Pimento. But if you enjoy a moist, very creamy consistency, Roquefort might be the better pick. Pimento has a sweet, rounded chili taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Roquefort offers a mild to strong profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Pimento Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Roquefort Cheese to Other Cheeses

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