Appenzeller Cheese vs Rocamadour Cheese

Appenzeller Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Rocamadour Cheese is soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured) and made from goat milk, originating in France.

What Is Appenzeller Cheese?

Appenzeller is a hard cow's milk cheese from the Appenzellerland region of northeast Switzerland. Its wheels are washed with a herbal brine as they cure, which builds a golden rind, a strong smell, and a flavor that runs from mild and nutty to sharp.

What Is Rocamadour Cheese?

Rocamadour is a very small raw goat's milk cheese from southwest France, named after the village of Rocamadour in the Lot. It is soft, creamy and white, weighs about 35 grams, and has carried AOC status since 1996.

What's the Difference Between Appenzeller Cheese and Rocamadour Cheese?

• Origin: Appenzeller Cheese (Switzerland), Rocamadour Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Appenzeller Cheese (cow's milk), Rocamadour Cheese (goat's milk)
• Milk treatment: Appenzeller Cheese (Raw), Rocamadour Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Appenzeller Cheese (Firm), Rocamadour Cheese (Soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured))
• Rind: Appenzeller Cheese (Washed rind), Rocamadour Cheese (White, soft (early); (matured))
• Aging: Appenzeller Cheese (3 to 6 months or longer), Rocamadour Cheese (Between 6 and 10 days; longer for drier, stronger flavor)
• Taste: Appenzeller Cheese (Piquant, tangy), Rocamadour Cheese (Mild; becomes stronger)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Appenzeller Cheese Taste Like Rocamadour Cheese?

Appenzeller Cheese reads as piquant, tangy, while Rocamadour Cheese brings mild; becomes stronger character. On the nose, Appenzeller Cheese offers strong, contrasted with Rocamadour Cheese's creamy, buttery, distinctive goat smell. More specifically, Appenzeller Cheese shows nutty or fruity, mild when young, tangy with age, while Rocamadour Cheese leans toward creamy, buttery, distinctive goat smell. Aging plays into this as well. Appenzeller Cheese at 3 to 6 months or longer develops a different profile than Rocamadour Cheese at between 6 and 10 days; longer for drier, stronger flavor.

Can You Substitute Appenzeller Cheese for Rocamadour Cheese?

Appenzeller Cheese can stand in for Rocamadour Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect firm bite and body where the recipe calls for soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured). Flavor-wise, Appenzeller Cheese reads as piquant, tangy while Rocamadour Cheese brings mild; becomes stronger notes.

Which Is Better, Appenzeller Cheese or Rocamadour Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm cheese, go with Appenzeller Cheese. For a soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured) profile, Rocamadour Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Appenzeller Cheese suits recipes that want piquant, tangy notes, while Rocamadour Cheese fits dishes calling for mild; becomes stronger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Appenzeller Cheese the same as Rocamadour Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Appenzeller Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Rocamadour Cheese comes from France. Appenzeller Cheese is made from cow milk; Rocamadour Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Appenzeller Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 months or longer, Rocamadour Cheese between 6 and 10 days; longer for drier, stronger flavor.

Is Appenzeller Cheese similar to Rocamadour Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Appenzeller Cheese for Rocamadour Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Appenzeller Cheese taste like Rocamadour Cheese?

Appenzeller Cheese reads as piquant, tangy, while Rocamadour Cheese is mild; becomes stronger. Aromas also diverge. Appenzeller Cheese leans strong, and Rocamadour Cheese is closer to creamy, buttery, distinctive goat smell.

What is Appenzeller Cheese made of?

Appenzeller Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 3 to 6 months or longer. It originates in Switzerland.

What is Rocamadour Cheese made of?

Rocamadour Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged between 6 and 10 days; longer for drier, stronger flavor. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Appenzeller Cheese or Rocamadour Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Appenzeller Cheese is firm, while Rocamadour Cheese is soft and creamy; becomes drier (matured).