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Cheddar Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to L'Etivaz Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to L'Etivaz Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or L'Etivaz 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.
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
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. 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. Cheddar is not a protected cheese. L'Etivaz Cheese has a GI (2011).
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. L'Etivaz Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
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)". L'Etivaz's texture can be described as "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". L'Etivaz's aroma can be described as "smokey".
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 . L'Etivaz Cheese has a color of pale yellow .
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. L'Etivaz is ranked #82 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | L'Etivaz | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and L'Etivaz pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | L'Etivaz Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Not Specified |
| Certification | Not Specified | GI (2011) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Not Specified |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Hard |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Not Specified |
| Aroma | Varies | Smokey |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Pale yellow |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Not Specified |
| Age | A few months to several years | Not Specified |
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 consistency, L'Etivaz might be the better pick.
