Brunost Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Brunost Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Brunost Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?"
  • "Is Brunost Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Brunost Cheese compare to L'Etivaz Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Brunost Cheese compare to L'Etivaz Cheese?"
  • "Is Brunost Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese better?"

Brunost Cheese Overview

Brunost, or "brown cheese," is a distinctly Norwegian dairy product, often classified as a cheese, though it differs from traditional cheeses. It is made by boiling down the whey of goat's milk, cow's milk, or a combination of both, until the water evaporates, and the natural milk sugars caramelize. This process gives Brunost its unique brown color, sweet caramel-like flavor, and fudge-like texture. It is commonly sliced thin and served on bread, crispbreads, or waffles.

L'Etivaz Cheese Overview

L'Etivaz is a hard Alpine cheese from the Vaud region of Switzerland, similar to Gruyère but made in a more artisanal fashion. It is produced only from May to October, using milk from cows grazing on mountain pastures. The cheese has a complex flavor, with fruity, nutty notes and a hint of smokiness, developed during the traditional wood-fired production process.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Brunost Cheese comes from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. L'Etivaz Cheese originated from Switzerland.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Brunost is not a protected cheese. L'Etivaz Cheese has a GI (2011).

Milk Type and Treatment

Brunost Cheese is made with cow and goat milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. L'Etivaz Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Brunost's texture can be described as "semi-soft, whey". L'Etivaz's texture can be described as "hard".

Taste and Aroma

Brunost Cheese has a caramel, sweet taste. L'Etivaz's aroma can be described as "smokey".

Appearance and Aging

Brunost Cheese's appearance is colored brown . L'Etivaz Cheese has a color of pale yellow .

Rind and Rennet Type

Brunost Cheese's rind is described as natural .

Ranking

Brunost is ranked #5 out of 996 types based on community views. L'Etivaz is ranked #79 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Brunost Cheese L'Etivaz Cheese
Country of Origin Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway And Sweden Switzerland
Specific Origin Not Specified Not Specified
Certification Not Specified GI (2011)
Milk Type Cow's and goat's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized or unpasteurized Unpasteurized
Rind Natural Not Specified
Texture Semi-soft, whey Hard
Taste Caramel, sweet Not Specified
Aroma Not Specified Smokey
Colors Brown Pale yellow

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-soft, whey cheese, go for Brunost. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, L'Etivaz might be the better pick.

Compare Brunost Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare L'Etivaz Cheese to Other Cheeses

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