Armenian String Cheese vs Raclette Cheese

Q: Is Armenian String Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?

No. Armenian String Cheese and Raclette Cheese are distinct cheeses from Armenia and Switzerland respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Armenian String Cheese for Raclette Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Armenian String Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Armenian String Cheese is a semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Armenia, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

What Is Armenian String Cheese?

Chechil, also called Armenian string cheese, is a brined pasta filata cheese from Armenia, sold as bundles of thick or thin fibrous threads that are often tied into ropes, braids or balls. It is frequently smoked and tastes sharp and sour with moderate salt.

What Is Raclette Cheese?

Raclette is a Swiss cheese and the dish made from it: the cheese is heated and the melted part is scraped off, usually onto boiled potatoes. It comes from the canton of Valais, where the cheese carries an AOP.

What's the Difference Between Armenian String Cheese and Raclette Cheese?

Origin: Armenian String Cheese (Armenia), Raclette Cheese (Switzerland)
Milk type: Armenian String Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Raclette Cheese (Cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Armenian String Cheese (soured skimmed milk), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
Texture: Armenian String Cheese (semi-soft), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
Aging: Armenian String Cheese (1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand), Raclette Cheese (3-4 months)
Taste: Armenian String Cheese (mild), Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Armenian String Cheese	Raclette Cheese
Country of Origin	Armenia	Switzerland
Specific Origin	Armenia	Alpine Regions
Milk Type	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Soured skimmed milk	Raw
Texture	Semi-soft	Semisoft, smooth
Rind	—	Washed
Aging	1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand	3-4 months
Taste	Mild	Mildly acidic

Taste Comparison: Does Armenian String Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?

Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic character. More specifically, Armenian String Cheese shows sharp and sour-milk, moderately salty at 4 to 8% salt, while Raclette Cheese leans toward 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'. Aging plays into this as well. Armenian String Cheese at 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand develops a different profile than Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months.

Can You Substitute Armenian String Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

Armenian String Cheese can stand in for Raclette Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese reads as mild while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic notes.

Which Is Better, Armenian String Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Armenian String Cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese suits recipes that want mild notes, while Raclette Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly acidic.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Armenian String Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Armenian String Cheese originates in Armenia, while Raclette Cheese comes from Switzerland. Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Raclette Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Armenian String Cheese is typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand, Raclette Cheese 3-4 months.

Is Armenian String Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for Raclette Cheese?

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

Does Armenian String Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?

Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Raclette Cheese is mildly acidic.

What is Armenian String Cheese made of?

Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (soured skimmed milk), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand. It originates in Armenia.

What is Raclette Cheese made of?

Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3-4 months. It originates in Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Armenian String Cheese or Raclette Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Armenian String Cheese is semi-soft, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.