Cream Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cream Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Cream Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?"
  • "Is Cream Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Cream Cheese compare to L'Etivaz Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Cream Cheese compare to L'Etivaz Cheese?"
  • "Is Cream Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese better?"

Cream Cheese Overview

Cream cheese is a fresh, soft cheese made primarily from cow's milk. It is typically pasteurized and has a smooth, spreadable texture. The flavor profile is creamy, mild, and slightly sweet, making it a versatile addition to both savory and sweet dishes. It is white in color and lacks a rind, which contributes to its smooth and appealing appearance. Commonly used as a spread on bagels or as a base for cheesecakes and dips, cream cheese is a staple in many kitchens. Its fresh and pleasant aroma enhances its appeal for a variety of culinary applications. Additionally, flavored versions, such as fruit cream cheese, are also popular.

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

Cream Cheese comes from United States. 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. Cream Cheese is not a protected cheese. L'Etivaz Cheese has a GI (2011).

Milk Type and Treatment

Cream Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. L'Etivaz Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Cream Cheese's texture can be described as "fresh soft, processed". L'Etivaz's texture can be described as "hard".

Taste and Aroma

Cream Cheese has a creamy, mild, sweet taste. Cream Cheese's aroma can be described as "fresh, pleasant". L'Etivaz's aroma can be described as "smokey".

Appearance and Aging

Cream Cheese's appearance is colored white . L'Etivaz Cheese has a color of pale yellow .

Rind and Rennet Type

Cream Cheese's rind is described as rindless .

Ranking

Cream Cheese is ranked #191 out of 996 types based on community views. L'Etivaz is ranked #80 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Cream Cheese L'Etivaz
Best Pairings Ginger, Salmon, Seaweed, Shrimp No pairings listed.
Other Good Pairings Cod, Green Tea No additional pairings listed.

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cream Cheese and L'Etivaz pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Cream Cheese L'Etivaz Cheese
Country of Origin United States Switzerland
Specific Origin Not Specified Not Specified
Certification Not Specified GI (2011)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized or unpasteurized Unpasteurized
Rind Rindless Not Specified
Texture Fresh soft, processed Hard
Taste Creamy, mild, sweet Not Specified
Aroma Fresh, pleasant Smokey
Colors White Pale yellow

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a fresh soft, processed cheese, go for Cream Cheese. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, L'Etivaz might be the better pick.

Compare Cream Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare L'Etivaz Cheese to Other Cheeses

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