Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese vs Exmoor Blue Cheese
Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Germany, while Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft and made from cow milk.
What Is Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese?
Allgäuer Emmentaler is a traditional German cheese made in the Swabia region from unpasteurized cow's milk. With a fat content of 45%, this cheese has a hard texture and a yellow color. It is known for its nutty flavor and a pungent aroma that makes it stand out. The cheese is covered with a natural rind, which helps develop its characteristic taste and smell. Allgäuer Emmentaler holds a Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) status, ensuring its authenticity and regional production. This cheese is ideal for adding depth to dishes or enjoying on its own as part of a cheese platter.
What Is Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a full-fat soft blue-veined cheese made from unpasteurized Jersey cow’s milk in Devon and Somerset, England. It has a rich yellow color and a buttery texture, with an average fat content of 34%. The cheese has been handmade on Willet Farm since 1986, using traditional methods. It undergoes a maturation period of 3 to 6 weeks, during which it is regularly turned and treated with Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium candidum to develop its distinctive blue veining. The lush pasture of the region, influenced by the warm, wet climate and red sandstone soil, contributes to the rich flavor of the milk used in production.
What's the Difference Between Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese and Exmoor Blue Cheese?
- Texture: Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese (hard), Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft)
- Rind: Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese (natural), Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese | Exmoor Blue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Germany | — |
| Specific Origin | Swabia | Devon And Somerset, England |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Soft |
| Rind | Natural | Treated with Penicillium candidum |
| Aging | — | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Nutty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese Taste Like Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese for Exmoor Blue Cheese?
In most recipes, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese and Exmoor Blue Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft.
Which Is Better, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese or Exmoor Blue Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese. For a soft profile, Exmoor Blue Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese the same as Exmoor Blue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese similar to Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese for Exmoor Blue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese taste like Exmoor Blue Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese made of?
Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It originates in Germany.
What is Exmoor Blue Cheese made of?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 6 weeks.
Which should I choose, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese or Exmoor Blue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese is hard, while Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft.