Raclette Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

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

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

Raclette Cheese Overview

Raclette is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, famous for melting beautifully. It is native to parts of Switzerland and France. The cheese is typically heated, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then scraped onto diners' plates; it's commonly served with small potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions, and dried meat.

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

Ranking

Raclette is ranked #69 out of 375 types.

Taleggio is ranked #61 out of 375 types.

Country of Origin

Raclette Cheese comes from Switzerland. 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. Raclette Cheese has a . Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

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

Composition and Texture

Raclette Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette's texture can be described as "semisoft, smooth". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Flavor and Aroma

Raclette Cheese has a mildly acidic flavor. Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour flavor. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Raclette Cheese's appearance is available in wheel, 14-15 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches in height and weighing between 15 to 18 pounds and is aged 3-4 months . 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

Raclette Cheese's rind is described as washed and uses animal rennet. Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Raclette Cheese Taleggio Cheese
Country of Origin Switzerland Italy
Specific Origin Alpine regions Val Taleggio, Po Valley
Certification PDO (1996)
Milk Type Cow's milk Whole raw or pasteurized milk
Milk Treatment Raw Heated to 90–95°F
Moisture Content 36-44%
Rind Washed Soft, thin, pinkish-red
Texture Semisoft, smooth Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center
Flavor Mildly acidic Sweet, delicate, slightly sour
Aroma Herbaceous, aromatic
Colors Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside
Forms Wheel, 14-15 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches in height and weighing between 15 to 18 pounds Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight
Age 3-4 months At least 35 (up to 50) days
Rennet Type Animal Calf rennet

Compare Raclette Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses