Aged Gouda Cheese vs Emmental Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Aged Gouda Cheese and Emmental Cheese, including:

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

Aged Gouda Cheese Overview

Aged Gouda is a hard cheese from the Netherlands, known for its rich aroma and firm texture. It can be made from cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk and may be pasteurized or unpasteurized. The cheese has a yellow color and is typically covered with a waxed rind. As it ages, Gouda develops a deeper, caramel-like flavor with hints of nuttiness and a slight crunch from protein crystals. This makes it a popular choice for snacking or serving on cheese platters. Its rich taste pairs well with robust red wines or dark beers. Often referred to as Oud Gouda, this cheese is a staple in both local and international markets.

Emmental Cheese Overview

Emmental is a classic Swiss cheese, known for its large holes and nutty, mild flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a hard, dense texture. The holes, or "eyes," develop during the fermentation process as a result of gas released by the bacteria in the cheese. Emmental is often used in sandwiches and is a key ingredient in traditional Swiss fondue.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Aged Gouda Cheese comes from Netherlands. Emmental Cheese originated from Switzerland.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Aged Gouda is not a protected cheese. Emmental Cheese has a PDO (2004).

Milk Type and Treatment

Aged Gouda Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Aged Gouda's texture can be described as "hard". Emmental Cheese has a fat content of minimum of 45% (dry matter). Emmental's texture can be described as "hard or medium-hard".

Taste and Aroma

Aged Gouda's aroma can be described as "rich". Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste.

Appearance and Aging

Aged Gouda Cheese's appearance is colored yellow . Emmental Cheese has a color of yellow , comes in round loaves and has an aging period of 4 months to over 1 year .

Rind and Rennet Type

Aged Gouda Cheese's rind is described as waxed .

Ranking

Aged Gouda is ranked #77 out of 996 types based on community views. Emmental is ranked #15 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Aged Gouda Emmental
Best Pairings Almonds, Apples, Apricot, Asian Pear, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California Viogniers, Champagne, Crackers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Green Apple, IPA, Malbec, Merlot, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Prosciutto, Pumpkin, Salami, Sangiovese, Scotch, Sweet Potato, Viognier No pairings listed.
Other Good Pairings Amaro, Cava, Dried Figs, Ginger, Mangoes, Pistachios, Port, Roasted Vegetables, Strawberries, Tequila Dijon Mustard

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Aged Gouda and Emmental pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Aged Gouda Cheese Emmental Cheese
Country of Origin Netherlands Switzerland
Specific Origin Not Specified Emmental, Canton Of Bern
Certification Not Specified PDO (2004)
Milk Type Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized or unpasteurized Raw
Fat Content Not Specified Minimum of 45% (dry matter)
Rind Waxed Not Specified
Texture Hard Hard or medium-hard
Taste Not Specified Nutty, sweet
Aroma Rich Not Specified
Colors Yellow Yellow
Forms Not Specified Round loaves
Age Not Specified 4 months to over 1 year

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Aged Gouda. But if you enjoy a hard or medium-hard consistency, Emmental might be the better pick.

Compare Aged Gouda Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

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