Pimento Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

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

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

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

Pimento Cheese comes from United States. 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. Pimento is not a protected cheese. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

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

Composition and Texture

Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Taste and Aroma

Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili taste. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Pimento Cheese's appearance is available in grated cheese mixed into a spread . 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

Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Ranking

Pimento is ranked #118 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #42 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a spreadable cheese, go for Pimento. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Pimento has a sweet, rounded chili taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Pimento Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses