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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
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. 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 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".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste.
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) .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Emmental is ranked #16 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Emmental | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | Dijon Mustard |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Emmental pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Emmental Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Emmental, Canton Of Bern |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (2004) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | 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% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Not Specified |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Hard or medium-hard |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Nutty, sweet |
| Aroma | Varies | Not Specified |
| 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 |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a hard or medium-hard consistency, Emmental might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Emmental offers a nutty, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.
