Red Leicester Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

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

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

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

Red Leicester Cheese comes from United Kingdom. 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. Red Leicester is not a protected cheese. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.

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

Taste and Aroma

Red Leicester Cheese has a caramel, sweet taste. Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

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 . 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

Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) and uses animal rennet. Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Ranking

Red Leicester is ranked #69 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #56 out of 996 types based on community views.

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 soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Red Leicester has a caramel, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Red Leicester Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses