Red Leicester Cheese vs Cheddar Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Red Leicester Cheese and Cheddar Cheese, including:

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

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.

Cheddar Cheese Overview

Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Red Leicester is ranked #71 out of 377 types.

Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 377 types.

Country of Origin

Red Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Cheddar Cheese originated from United Kingdom.

Milk Type and Treatment

Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Cheddar Cheese is made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized.

Composition and Texture

Red Leicester Cheese has a fat content of high and a moisture content of medium. Red Leicester's texture can be described as "hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly". Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of medium. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)".

Flavor and Aroma

Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild". Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory flavor. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies".

Appearance and Aging

Red Leicester Cheese's appearance is colored reddish-orange , is available in traditional cylindrical, industrial block and is aged 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial . Cheddar Cheese has a color of natural or dyed orange , comes in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and has an aging period of a few months to several years .

Rind and Rennet Type

Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) and uses animal rennet. Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Compare Red Leicester Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Cheddar Cheese to Other Cheeses