Cheddar Cheese vs Emmental Cheese

Cheddar Cheese

Emmental Cheese

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

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

Cheddar Cheese Overview

Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.

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

Ranking

Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 375 types.

Emmental is ranked #26 out of 375 types.

Country of Origin

Cheddar Cheese comes from United Kingdom. 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. Cheddar is not a protected cheese. Emmental Cheese has a PDO (2004).

Milk Type and Treatment

Cheddar Cheese is made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Emmental Cheese has a fat content of minimum of 45% (dry matter). Emmental's texture can be described as "hard or medium-hard".

Flavor and Aroma

Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory flavor. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet flavor.

Appearance and Aging

Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years . 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

Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Cheddar Cheese Emmental Cheese
Country of Origin United Kingdom Switzerland
Specific Origin Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) Emmental, Canton of Bern
Certification None PDO (2004)
Milk Type Cow's, sometimes goat's, sheep's, or buffalo's Raw Cow's Milk
Milk Treatment Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized Raw
Fat Content At least 50% fat in dry matter Minimum of 45% (dry matter)
Moisture Content Up to 39%
Rind Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)
Texture Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) Hard or medium-hard
Flavor Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory Nutty, sweet
Aroma Varies
Colors Natural or dyed orange Yellow
Forms Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks Round loaves
Age A few months to several years 4 months to over 1 year

Compare Cheddar Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses