Driftwood Cheese vs Emmental Cheese

Driftwood Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from England, while Emmental Cheese is hard or medium-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

What Is Driftwood Cheese?

Driftwood is an artisan cheese from England made from unpasteurized goat's milk. It features a semi-soft texture and is known for its creamy color and ash-coated rind. The cheese offers a citrusy and salty flavor profile, making it a refreshing choice. Its unpasteurized nature adds depth to its taste, appealing to those who enjoy traditional cheese-making methods. Driftwood pairs well with light, crisp wines and is an excellent addition to cheese boards. Its distinctive rind and flavor make it a standout option for cheese enthusiasts.

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 Driftwood Cheese and Emmental Cheese?

• Origin: Driftwood Cheese (England), Emmental Cheese (Switzerland)
• Milk type: Driftwood Cheese (goat's milk), Emmental Cheese (cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Driftwood Cheese (unpasteurized), Emmental Cheese (Raw)
• Texture: Driftwood Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Emmental Cheese (Hard or medium-hard)
• Rind: Driftwood Cheese (ash coated), Emmental Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Driftwood Cheese (citrusy, salty), Emmental Cheese (Nutty, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Driftwood Cheese Taste Like Emmental Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Emmental Cheese brings nutty, sweet character.

Can You Substitute Driftwood Cheese for Emmental Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese can stand in for Emmental Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for hard or medium-hard. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty while Emmental Cheese brings nutty, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Driftwood Cheese or Emmental Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Driftwood Cheese. For a hard or medium-hard profile, Emmental Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Driftwood Cheese suits recipes that want citrusy, salty notes, while Emmental Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Driftwood Cheese the same as Emmental Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Driftwood Cheese originates in England, while Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland. Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk; Emmental Cheese uses cow.

Is Driftwood Cheese similar to Emmental Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Driftwood Cheese for Emmental Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Driftwood Cheese taste like Emmental Cheese?

Driftwood Cheese reads as citrusy, salty, while Emmental Cheese is nutty, sweet.

What is Driftwood Cheese made of?

Driftwood Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England.

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, Driftwood Cheese or Emmental Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Driftwood Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Emmental Cheese is hard or medium-hard.