Blue Cheese vs Emmental de Savoie Cheese
Blue Cheese is a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from France, while Emmental de Savoie Cheese is firm and supple and made from cow milk.
What Is Blue Cheese?
A type of cheese injected or inoculated with Penicillium mold to create blue or green veins, resulting in a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy or crumbly texture.
What Is Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
Emmental de Savoie is a type of cheese from France. It is a cooked pressed cheese made from raw cow's milk. The cheese is known for its large, wheel-like shape, with a diameter of 72 to 80 cm and a weight of at least 60 kg after maturation. It has a yellowish-brown rind and a firm, supple paste with well-defined openings called "eyes." The cheese has a clean, fruity taste and is characterized by a high level of protein breakdown. Emmental de Savoie is produced in the Savoie region, using milk from traditional cow breeds like Abondance, Montbéliarde, and Tarentaise. The cheese is linked to the region's rich fodder resources and traditional cheesemaking practices.
What's the Difference Between Blue Cheese and Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
- Milk type: Blue Cheese (Cow, Sheep, Goat), Emmental de Savoie Cheese (Cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Blue Cheese (Pasteurized or Raw), Emmental de Savoie Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Blue Cheese (Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft), Emmental de Savoie Cheese (Firm and supple)
- Rind: Blue Cheese (Natural), Emmental de Savoie Cheese (Yellowish brown, without spots or blemishes)
- Taste: Blue Cheese (Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent), Emmental de Savoie Cheese (Clean, fruity taste)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Blue Cheese | Emmental de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | — |
| Specific Origin | — | Savoie Region, Including Specific Municipalities In The Departments Of Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Ain, And Isère. |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Firm and supple |
| Rind | Natural | Yellowish brown, without spots or blemishes |
| Aging | Typically aged 2-6 months | — |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Clean, fruity taste |
Pairing Comparison
What works with each cheese — wines, foods, breads, and more.
| Blue Cheese | Emmental de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Amaro, Apricot, Asian Pear, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Apple, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, IPA, Malbec, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Port, Scotch, Steak | — |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Apples, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, California Viogniers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Olives, Prosciutto, Roast Beef | — |
Which would you pick?
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Where to buy Blue Cheese and Emmental de Savoie Cheese
Blue Cheese
Emmental de Savoie Cheese
Taste Comparison: Does Blue Cheese Taste Like Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Emmental de Savoie Cheese brings clean, fruity taste character.
Can You Substitute Blue Cheese for Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
Blue Cheese can stand in for Emmental de Savoie Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect crumbly, creamy, semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for firm and supple. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent while Emmental de Savoie Cheese brings clean, fruity taste notes.
Which Is Better, Blue Cheese or Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cheese, go with Blue Cheese. For a firm and supple profile, Emmental de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Blue Cheese suits recipes that want sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent notes, while Emmental de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for clean, fruity taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Blue Cheese the same as Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Emmental de Savoie Cheese uses cow.
Is Blue Cheese similar to Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Blue Cheese for Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Blue Cheese taste like Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
Blue Cheese reads as sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent, while Emmental de Savoie Cheese is clean, fruity taste.
What is Blue Cheese made of?
Blue Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized or raw), using traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically aged 2-6 months. It originates in France.
What is Emmental de Savoie Cheese made of?
Emmental de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw).
Which should I choose, Blue Cheese or Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Blue Cheese is crumbly, creamy, semi-soft, while Emmental de Savoie Cheese is firm and supple.
See full profiles: Blue Cheese and Emmental de Savoie Cheese.