Taleggio

What Is Taleggio?

Taleggio is a washed-rind, soft cow's milk cheese from the Lombardy region of Northern Italy. It's aged in square molds and develops an orange-pink rind.

Because its rind is washed with brine during aging, it carries a sharp, earthy smell; in contrast, its interior is soft, buttery, and surprisingly mild-sweet. This contrast between smell and taste is what makes it recognizable.

Nutritional Value of Taleggio

Like soft cow's milk cheeses, taleggio contains about 315 kcal of energy and high fat and protein per 100 grams; it's a source of calcium. Values are approximated from a similar cheese profile.

What Are the Benefits of Taleggio?

With its protein and calcium content, taleggio can be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet; since its fat content is high, portion control is recommended.

This information is general; taleggio is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How Is Taleggio Selected?

A good taleggio has a moist but not sticky rind, a cream-colored interior, and is slightly softened. An ammonia smell indicates over-ripening.

• Rind should be moist-orangeish, not overly sticky
• Interior should be cream-colored and soft
• Smell should be pronounced but not veering into ammonia

How Is Taleggio Stored?

Taleggio keeps for 1–2 weeks in the fridge wrapped in cheese paper or breathable packaging; it should not be left in airtight plastic. It's brought to room temperature before serving.

Using Taleggio in the Kitchen

Since taleggio melts nicely with heat, it's used in risotto, pizza, polenta, and gratin dishes; it's also served on a cheese board with fruit, honey, and bread.

How Is Taleggio Melted?

Sliced taleggio is added on top of hot risotto or polenta and stirred in; the rind can be trimmed off if desired, and the interior melts quickly.

Is Taleggio's Rind Edible?

The rind is edible; however, because it's sharp-smelling and earthy, some people prefer to trim it off.

What Recipes Is Taleggio Used In?

Taleggio risotto, taleggio pizza, gratin vegetables, and cheese boards are the best-known uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does taleggio smell so sharp?

Since its rind is washed with brine while aging, the cultures that develop on the surface give it a sharp smell; the interior remains mild-sweet.

What cheese does taleggio resemble?

It belongs to the washed-rind soft cheese group; with its contrast between smell and taste, it's closely related to reblochon and similar cheeses.

Is taleggio used on pizza?

Yes; since it melts well, it can be preferred alongside or instead of mozzarella on pizzas and gratins.

What drinks pair well with taleggio?

It pairs well with light drinks alongside fruit and honey presentations on a cheese board; its sharp smell favors sweetish accompaniments.