Taleggio Cheese vs Wensleydale Cheese
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Taleggio Cheese and Wensleydale Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Taleggio Cheese and Wensleydale Cheese?"
- "Is Taleggio Cheese and Wensleydale Cheese the same?"
- "How does Taleggio Cheese compare to Wensleydale Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Taleggio Cheese compare to Wensleydale Cheese?"
- "Is Taleggio Cheese or Wensleydale Cheese better?"
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.
Wensleydale Cheese Overview
Wensleydale is a crumbly, moist cheese originally from the town of Wensleydale in Yorkshire. It can be young or matured, with the younger cheese being mild and creamy, and the aged cheese developing a more pronounced, honeyed flavor. It's often combined with fruits like cranberries or apricots.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Ranking
Taleggio is ranked #62 out of 376 types.
Wensleydale is ranked #101 out of 376 types.
Country of Origin
Taleggio Cheese comes from Italy. Wensleydale Cheese originated from United Kingdom.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996). Wensleydale Cheese has a .
Milk Type and Treatment
Taleggio Cheese is made with unknown milk that is typically heated. Wensleydale Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically other.
Composition and Texture
Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center". Wensleydale's texture can be described as "firm and crumbly".
Flavor and Aroma
Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour flavor. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic". Wensleydale Cheese has a fresh, lemony tang flavor.
Appearance and Aging
Taleggio Cheese's appearance is colored pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , is available in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and is aged at least 35 (up to 50) days . Wensleydale Cheese has a color of creamy white and has an aging period of 1 to 4 months old .
Rind and Rennet Type
Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red and uses calf rennet.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Taleggio Cheese | Wensleydale Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy | United Kingdom |
Specific Origin | Val Taleggio, Po Valley | Yorkshire Dales |
Certification | PDO (1996) | |
Milk Type | Whole raw or pasteurized milk | Cow’s milk |
Milk Treatment | Heated to 90–95°F | Pressed |
Rind | Soft, thin, pinkish-red | |
Texture | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center | Firm and crumbly |
Flavor | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour | Fresh, lemony tang |
Aroma | Herbaceous, aromatic | |
Colors | Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside | Creamy white |
Forms | Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight | |
Age | At least 35 (up to 50) days | 1 to 4 months old |
Rennet Type | Calf rennet |