Taleggio Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Taleggio Cheese is a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center cow-milk cheese from Italy, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
What Is Taleggio Cheese?
Taleggio is a semisoft Italian cheese with a washed, smear-ripened rind and a strong smell. The taste is milder than the aroma suggests, creamy and pale yellow inside, with an unusual fruity tang.
What Is West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a firm cow's milk cheese made by traditional methods in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Its name has been protected in the EU and UK since 2007, and only milk from those four counties may be used.
What's the Difference Between Taleggio Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Taleggio Cheese (Heated to 90–95°F), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Taleggio Cheese (Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Rind: Taleggio Cheese (Soft, thin, pinkish-red), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
- Aging: Taleggio Cheese (At least 35 (up to 50) days), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Taleggio Cheese (Sweet, delicate, slightly sour), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Taleggio Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | — |
| Specific Origin | Val Taleggio, Po Valley | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Heated to 90–95°F | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center | Firm |
| Rind | Soft, thin, pinkish-red | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | At least 35 (up to 50) days | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Taleggio Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Taleggio Cheese reads as sweet, delicate, slightly sour, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Taleggio Cheese shows herbaceous, aromatic, intensifies and becomes more complex over time, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese leans toward sharp and pungent, often slightly earthy, with a hazelnut note and large calcium lactate crystals when well matured. Aging plays into this as well. Taleggio Cheese at at least 35 (up to 50) days develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Taleggio Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Taleggio Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese 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 firm. Flavor-wise, Taleggio Cheese reads as sweet, delicate, slightly sour while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Taleggio Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
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 firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Taleggio Cheese suits recipes that want sweet, delicate, slightly sour notes, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Taleggio Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Taleggio Cheese is typically aged at least 35 (up to 50) days, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Taleggio Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Taleggio Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Taleggio Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Taleggio Cheese reads as sweet, delicate, slightly sour, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese made of?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum 9 months.
Which should I choose, Taleggio Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.