Stilton Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

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

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

Stilton Cheese Overview

Stilton is one of the best-known British blue cheeses, traditionally made in two varieties: blue and white. Blue Stilton is creamy and crumbly with a distinctively sharp, rich flavor produced by the blue veins. White Stilton, less common, is the milder of the two and does not have the blue veining.

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

Stilton Cheese comes from England. 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. Stilton Cheese has a PDO (1996). Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Stilton Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.

Composition and Texture

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

Taste and Aroma

Stilton Cheese has a spicy, strong taste. Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Stilton Cheese's appearance is colored blue-grey . 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

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

Ranking

Stilton is ranked #25 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #27 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Stilton and Taleggio pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard, blue-veined cheese, go for Stilton. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Stilton has a spicy, strong taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Stilton Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses