Taleggio Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)
Taleggio Cheese is a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center cow-milk cheese from Italy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.
What Is Taleggio Cheese?
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.
What Is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.
What's the Difference Between Taleggio Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
- Origin: Taleggio Cheese (Italy), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
- Texture: Taleggio Cheese (Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened)
- Rind: Taleggio Cheese (Soft, thin, pinkish-red), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (washed)
- Taste: Taleggio Cheese (Sweet, delicate, slightly sour), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Taleggio Cheese | Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | Australia |
| Specific Origin | Val Taleggio, Po Valley | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Heated to 90–95°F | — |
| Texture | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center | Soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened |
| Rind | Soft, thin, pinkish-red | Washed |
| Aging | At least 35 (up to 50) days | — |
| Taste | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour | Nutty, sharp, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Taleggio Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Taleggio Cheese reads as sweet, delicate, slightly sour, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character. On the nose, Taleggio Cheese offers herbaceous, aromatic, contrasted with Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)'s earthy, strong.
Can You Substitute Taleggio Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
In most recipes, Taleggio Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened. Flavor-wise, Taleggio Cheese reads as sweet, delicate, slightly sour while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Taleggio Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center cheese, go with Taleggio Cheese. For a soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Taleggio Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, delicate, slightly sour notes, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taleggio Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Taleggio Cheese originates in Italy, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia.
Is Taleggio Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Taleggio Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Taleggio Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Taleggio Cheese reads as sweet, delicate, slightly sour, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Taleggio Cheese leans herbaceous, aromatic, and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is closer to earthy, strong.
What is Taleggio Cheese made of?
Taleggio Cheese is made from cow milk (heated to 90–95°f), using calf rennet. It's typically aged at least 35 (up to 50) days. It originates in Italy.
What is Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?
Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.
Which should I choose, Taleggio Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Taleggio Cheese is soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened.