Camembert Cheese vs Emmental Cheese

Camembert Cheese

Emmental Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Camembert Cheese and Emmental Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Camembert Cheese and Emmental Cheese?"
  • "Is Camembert Cheese and Emmental Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Camembert Cheese compare to Emmental Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Camembert Cheese compare to Emmental Cheese?"
  • "Is Camembert Cheese or Emmental Cheese better?"

Camembert Cheese Overview

Camembert is a famous French cheese with a soft, creamy interior and a bloomy rind. It's made from cow's milk and has a rich, buttery flavor with earthy undertones. True Camembert from Normandy has a slightly more intense flavor compared to other varieties and becomes runnier as it ages.

Emmental Cheese Overview

Emmental is a classic Swiss cheese, known for its large holes and nutty, mild flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a hard, dense texture. The holes, or "eyes," develop during the fermentation process as a result of gas released by the bacteria in the cheese. Emmental is often used in sandwiches and is a key ingredient in traditional Swiss fondue.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Camembert Cheese comes from France. Emmental 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. Camembert is not a protected cheese. Emmental Cheese has a PDO (2004).

Milk Type and Treatment

Camembert Cheese is made with cow milk. Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Camembert's texture can be described as "soft, artisan". Emmental Cheese has a fat content of minimum of 45% (dry matter). Emmental's texture can be described as "hard or medium-hard".

Taste and Aroma

Camembert Cheese has a sweet taste. Camembert's aroma can be described as "buttery, rich". Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste.

Appearance and Aging

Camembert Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow . Emmental Cheese has a color of yellow , comes in round loaves and has an aging period of 4 months to over 1 year .

Rind and Rennet Type

Camembert Cheese's rind is described as bloomy .

Ranking

Camembert is ranked #11 out of 996 types based on community views. Emmental is ranked #16 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Camembert Emmental
Best Pairings Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Gamay, Grüner Veltliner, Hard Cider, Viognier No pairings listed.
Other Good Pairings Cabernet Franc, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Fig Jam, Fruit Compote, Grapes, Kolsch, Merlot, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, White Burgundy Dijon Mustard

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Camembert and Emmental pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Camembert Cheese Emmental Cheese
Country of Origin France Switzerland
Specific Origin Not Specified Emmental, Canton Of Bern
Certification Not Specified PDO (2004)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Not Specified Raw
Fat Content Not Specified Minimum of 45% (dry matter)
Rind Bloomy Not Specified
Texture Soft, artisan Hard or medium-hard
Taste Sweet Nutty, sweet
Aroma Buttery, rich Not Specified
Colors Pale yellow Yellow
Forms Not Specified Round loaves
Age Not Specified 4 months to over 1 year

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a soft, artisan cheese, go for Camembert. But if you enjoy a hard or medium-hard consistency, Emmental might be the better pick. Camembert has a sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Emmental offers a nutty, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Camembert Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

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