Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese vs Emmental Cheese
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is a goat-milk cheese, while Emmental Cheese is hard or medium-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol, also known simply as Chavignol, is a cheese made from raw whole goat's milk. It originates from France and is protected under the designation of origin (PDO). The cheese is shaped like a flat cylinder and has a thin rind that can be ivory-colored with or without white or blue molds. The cheese is known for its lactic coagulation process with a small amount of rennet added. It has a fat content of at least 45% of the dry matter and a total dry matter content between 37g and 48g per cheese. The cheese is matured for at least 10 days, and a special version called "repassé" is matured in a confined atmosphere to develop a blue Penicillium mold.
What Is Emmental Cheese?
Emmental is a yellow, medium-hard Swiss cheese from the Emme Valley, known for the natural holes that run through it. The taste is savoury but mild. It is eaten cold in chunks or slices and melted into dishes such as gratins.
What's the Difference Between Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese and Emmental Cheese?
- Milk type: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Goat's milk), Emmental Cheese (cow's milk)
- Rind: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds), Emmental Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese (Minimum maturing period of 10 days), Emmental Cheese (4 months to over 1 year)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese | Emmental Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | — | Emmental, Canton Of Bern |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | — | Hard or medium-hard |
| Rind | Thin, ivory-colored, with or without white or blue molds | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum maturing period of 10 days | 4 months to over 1 year |
| Taste | — | Nutty, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese Taste Like Emmental Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese at minimum maturing period of 10 days develops a different profile than Emmental Cheese at 4 months to over 1 year.
Can You Substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Emmental Cheese?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese can stand in for Emmental Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Emmental Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese the same as Emmental Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk; Emmental Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days, Emmental Cheese 4 months to over 1 year.
Is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese similar to Emmental Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese for Emmental Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese taste like Emmental Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese made of?
Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese is made from goat milk (raw), using small quantity added rennet. It's typically aged minimum maturing period of 10 days.
What is Emmental Cheese made of?
Emmental Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months to over 1 year. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Crottin de Chavignol / Chavignol Cheese or Emmental Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.