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Emmental Cheese vs Époisses Cheese
Emmental Cheese
Époisses Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Emmental Cheese and Époisses Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Emmental Cheese and Époisses Cheese?"
- "Is Emmental Cheese and Époisses Cheese the same?"
- "How does Emmental Cheese compare to Époisses Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Emmental Cheese compare to Époisses Cheese?"
- "Is Emmental Cheese or Époisses Cheese better?"
Emmental Cheese Overview
Emmental is a classic Swiss cheese, known for its large holes and nutty, mild flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a hard, dense texture. The holes, or "eyes," develop during the fermentation process as a result of gas released by the bacteria in the cheese. Emmental is often used in sandwiches and is a key ingredient in traditional Swiss fondue.
Époisses Cheese Overview
Époisses is a strongly flavored, washed-rind cheese from Burgundy, made from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy texture and rich, intense flavor with hints of barnyard and bacon. The rind is washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy during maturation, contributing to its characteristic strong smell and deep orange color. Époisses is typically eaten with crusty bread or used to add depth to sauces.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland. Époisses Cheese originated from France.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Emmental Cheese has a PDO (2004). Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991).
Milk Type and Treatment
Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Époisses Cheese is made with cow milk.
Composition and Texture
Emmental Cheese has a fat content of minimum of 45% (dry matter). Emmental's texture can be described as "hard or medium-hard". Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy".
Taste and Aroma
Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste. Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth".
Appearance and Aging
Emmental Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in round loaves and is aged 4 months to over 1 year . Époisses Cheese has a color of orange ivory to brick red , comes in small and large sizes and has an aging period of minimum of 28 days .
Rind and Rennet Type
Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind .
Ranking
Emmental is ranked #16 out of 996 types based on community views. Époisses is ranked #30 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Emmental | Époisses | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Burgundy Red |
| Other Good Pairings | Dijon Mustard | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Emmental and Époisses pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Emmental Cheese | Époisses Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | France |
| Specific Origin | Emmental, Canton Of Bern | Auxois And Terre Plaine, Burgundy |
| Certification | PDO (2004) | PDO (1996), AOC (1991) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's Milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Not Specified |
| Fat Content | Minimum of 45% (dry matter) | Not Specified |
| Rind | Not Specified | Washed-rind |
| Texture | Hard or medium-hard | Soft and creamy |
| Taste | Nutty, sweet | Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Undergrowth |
| Colors | Yellow | Orange ivory to brick red |
| Forms | Round loaves | Small and large sizes |
| Age | 4 months to over 1 year | Minimum of 28 days |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a hard or medium-hard cheese, go for Emmental. But if you enjoy a soft and creamy consistency, Époisses might be the better pick. Emmental has a nutty, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Époisses offers a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced profile, ideal for different meals.
