Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese vs Gorgonzola Cheese

Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Germany, while Gorgonzola Cheese is semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in Italy.

What Is Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese?

Allgäuer Emmentaler is a raw-milk Emmental from the Allgäu region of Germany, protected as a designation of origin since January 1997. It ripens for at least three months and tastes clearly of hazelnut, milder than Swiss Emmentaler.

What Is Gorgonzola Cheese?

Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese made from unskimmed cow's milk, named for a town near Milan. It comes in two styles: dolce, mild and buttery, and piccante, sharper with a firm, crumbly body.

What's the Difference Between Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese and Gorgonzola Cheese?

• Origin: Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese (Germany), Gorgonzola Cheese (Italy)
• Milk treatment: Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese (unpasteurized), Gorgonzola Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese (Hard), Gorgonzola Cheese (Semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined)
• Rind: Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese (natural), Gorgonzola Cheese (None)
• Aging: Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese (at least 3 months), Gorgonzola Cheese (2 to 3 months)
• Taste: Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese (nutty), Gorgonzola Cheese (Sweet to savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese Taste Like Gorgonzola Cheese?

Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese reads as nutty, while Gorgonzola Cheese brings sweet to savory character. On the nose, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese offers pungent, contrasted with Gorgonzola Cheese's nutty. More specifically, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese shows hazelnut character, lighter than swiss emmentaler, while Gorgonzola Cheese leans toward dolce: creamy, slightly spicy, delicate. piccante: blue-veined, crumbly, strong, with widespread bluish-green marbling. Aging plays into this as well. Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese at at least 3 months develops a different profile than Gorgonzola Cheese at 2 to 3 months.

Can You Substitute Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese for Gorgonzola Cheese?

In most recipes, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese and Gorgonzola 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 semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese reads as nutty while Gorgonzola Cheese brings sweet to savory notes.

Which Is Better, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese or Gorgonzola 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 semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined profile, Gorgonzola Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese suits recipes that want nutty notes, while Gorgonzola Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet to savory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese the same as Gorgonzola Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese originates in Germany, while Gorgonzola Cheese comes from Italy. Aging also differs: Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese is typically aged at least 3 months, Gorgonzola Cheese 2 to 3 months.

Is Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese similar to Gorgonzola Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese for Gorgonzola Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese taste like Gorgonzola Cheese?

Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese reads as nutty, while Gorgonzola Cheese is sweet to savory. Aromas also diverge. Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese leans pungent, and Gorgonzola Cheese is closer to nutty.

What is Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese made of?

Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 3 months. It originates in Germany.

What is Gorgonzola Cheese made of?

Gorgonzola Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Italy.

Which should I choose, Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese or Gorgonzola Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Allgäuer Emmentaler Cheese is hard, while Gorgonzola Cheese is semi-soft, crumbly, blue-veined.