Aged Cheese vs Emmental Cheese
Aged Cheese is a cheese, while Emmental Cheese is hard or medium-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Aged Cheese?
Aged cheese is cheese that has gone through ripening, the stage after manufacture when enzymes, bacteria and moulds build its taste, texture and body. Ripening runs from about three weeks to more than two years, and all cheese except fresh cheese gets it.
What Is Emmental Cheese?
Emmental is a yellow, medium-hard Swiss cheese from the Emme Valley, known for the natural holes that run through it. The taste is savoury but mild. It is eaten cold in chunks or slices and melted into dishes such as gratins.
What's the Difference Between Aged Cheese and Emmental Cheese?
- Aging: Aged Cheese (three weeks to two or more years), Emmental Cheese (4 months to over 1 year)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aged Cheese | Emmental Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | — | Emmental, Canton Of Bern |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | — | Hard or medium-hard |
| Rind | — | Natural |
| Aging | Three weeks to two or more years | 4 months to over 1 year |
| Taste | — | Nutty, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Aged Cheese Taste Like Emmental Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Aged Cheese at three weeks to two or more years develops a different profile than Emmental Cheese at 4 months to over 1 year.
Can You Substitute Aged Cheese for Emmental Cheese?
Aged Cheese can stand in for Emmental Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Aged Cheese or Emmental Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Aged Cheese the same as Emmental Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Aged Cheese is typically aged three weeks to two or more years, Emmental Cheese 4 months to over 1 year.
Is Aged Cheese similar to Emmental Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Aged Cheese for Emmental Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Aged Cheese taste like Emmental Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Aged Cheese made of?
Aged Cheese is made from milk. It's typically aged three weeks to two or more years.
What is Emmental Cheese made of?
Emmental Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months to over 1 year. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Aged Cheese or Emmental Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.