Red Leicester Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese

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

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

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

Red Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. 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. Red Leicester is not a protected cheese. Roquefort Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1925).

Milk Type and Treatment

Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Roquefort Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically unpasteurized.

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

Taste and Aroma

Red Leicester Cheese has a caramel, sweet taste. Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild". Roquefort Cheese has a mild to strong taste. Roquefort's aroma can be described as "sweet".

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 . 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

Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) and uses animal rennet. Roquefort Cheese uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Red Leicester is ranked #69 out of 996 types based on community views. Roquefort is ranked #19 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

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

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly cheese, go for Red Leicester. But if you enjoy a moist, very creamy consistency, Roquefort might be the better pick. Red Leicester has a caramel, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Roquefort offers a mild to strong profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Red Leicester Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Roquefort Cheese to Other Cheeses