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Comté Cheese vs Emmental Cheese
Comté Cheese
Emmental Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Emmental Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Emmental Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese and Emmental Cheese the same?"
- "How does Comté Cheese compare to Emmental Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Emmental Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese or Emmental Cheese better?"
Comté Cheese Overview
Comté is a French cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. It is one of the most popular AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) cheeses, known for its complex flavors which can include hints of apricot, chocolate, butter, cream, hazelnuts, and toast. Comté is aged for a minimum of four months, with some wheels maturing for over a year to develop a deeper flavor profile.
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
Comté 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. Comté Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1958). Emmental Cheese has a PDO (2004).
Milk Type and Treatment
Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.
Composition and Texture
Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". 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
Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste.
Appearance and Aging
Comté Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow , is available in wide, flat wheels and is aged 4 months to 3 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
Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Comté is ranked #73 out of 996 types based on community views. Emmental is ranked #16 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Comté | Emmental | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | White Burgundy | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | Dijon Mustard |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and Emmental pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Comté Cheese | Emmental Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Jura | Emmental, Canton Of Bern |
| Certification | PDO (1996), AOC (1958) | PDO (2004) |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | Minimum of 45% (dry matter) |
| Rind | Natural | Not Specified |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | Hard or medium-hard |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | Nutty, sweet |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Yellow |
| Forms | Wide, flat wheels | Round loaves |
| Age | 4 months to 3 years | 4 months to over 1 year |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a hard or medium-hard consistency, Emmental might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Emmental offers a nutty, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.
