Emmental Cheese vs Emmental de Savoie Cheese
Emmental Cheese is a hard or medium-hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Emmental de Savoie Cheese is firm and supple and made from cow milk.
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 Is Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
Emmental de Savoie is a French cheese from Savoie with EU protected geographical indication status. It belongs to the Emmental family of yellow, medium-hard Swiss-type cheeses known for the natural holes in their paste.
What's the Difference Between Emmental Cheese and Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
- Texture: Emmental Cheese (Hard or medium-hard), Emmental de Savoie Cheese (Firm and supple)
- Rind: Emmental Cheese (natural), Emmental de Savoie Cheese (Yellowish brown, without spots or blemishes)
- Taste: Emmental Cheese (Nutty, sweet), Emmental de Savoie Cheese (Clean, fruity taste)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Emmental Cheese | Emmental de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | — |
| Specific Origin | Emmental, Canton Of Bern | Savoie Region, Including Specific Municipalities In The Departments Of Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Ain, And Isère. |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Hard or medium-hard | Firm and supple |
| Rind | Natural | Yellowish brown, without spots or blemishes |
| Aging | 4 months to over 1 year | — |
| Taste | Nutty, sweet | Clean, fruity taste |
Taste Comparison: Does Emmental Cheese Taste Like Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Emmental de Savoie Cheese brings clean, fruity taste character.
Can You Substitute Emmental Cheese for Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
In most recipes, Emmental Cheese and Emmental de Savoie Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard or medium-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for firm and supple. Flavor-wise, Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet while Emmental de Savoie Cheese brings clean, fruity taste notes.
Which Is Better, Emmental 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 hard or medium-hard cheese, go with Emmental Cheese. For a firm and supple profile, Emmental de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Emmental Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, sweet notes, while Emmental de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for clean, fruity taste.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emmental Cheese the same as Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Emmental Cheese similar to Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Emmental Cheese for Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Emmental Cheese taste like Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Emmental de Savoie Cheese is clean, fruity taste.
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.
What is Emmental de Savoie Cheese made of?
Emmental de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw).
Which should I choose, Emmental Cheese or Emmental de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Emmental Cheese is hard or medium-hard, while Emmental de Savoie Cheese is firm and supple.