Emmental Cheese vs Exmoor Blue Cheese
Emmental Cheese is a hard or medium-hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft and made from cow milk.
What Is Emmental Cheese?
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.
What Is Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a full-fat soft blue-veined cheese made from unpasteurized Jersey cow’s milk in Devon and Somerset, England. It has a rich yellow color and a buttery texture, with an average fat content of 34%. The cheese has been handmade on Willet Farm since 1986, using traditional methods. It undergoes a maturation period of 3 to 6 weeks, during which it is regularly turned and treated with Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium candidum to develop its distinctive blue veining. The lush pasture of the region, influenced by the warm, wet climate and red sandstone soil, contributes to the rich flavor of the milk used in production.
What's the Difference Between Emmental Cheese and Exmoor Blue Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Emmental Cheese (Raw), Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized)
- Texture: Emmental Cheese (Hard or medium-hard), Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft)
- Aging: Emmental Cheese (4 months to over 1 year), Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Emmental Cheese | Exmoor Blue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | — |
| Specific Origin | Emmental, Canton Of Bern | Devon And Somerset, England |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard or medium-hard | Soft |
| Rind | — | Treated with Penicillium candidum |
| Aging | 4 months to over 1 year | 3 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Nutty, sweet | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Emmental Cheese Taste Like Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Emmental Cheese at 4 months to over 1 year develops a different profile than Exmoor Blue Cheese at 3 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Emmental Cheese for Exmoor Blue Cheese?
In most recipes, Emmental Cheese and Exmoor Blue 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 soft.
Which Is Better, Emmental Cheese or Exmoor Blue 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 soft profile, Exmoor Blue Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emmental Cheese the same as Exmoor Blue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Emmental Cheese is typically aged 4 months to over 1 year, Exmoor Blue Cheese 3 to 6 weeks.
Is Emmental Cheese similar to Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Emmental Cheese for Exmoor Blue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Emmental Cheese taste like Exmoor Blue Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Exmoor Blue Cheese made of?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 6 weeks.
Which should I choose, Emmental Cheese or Exmoor Blue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Emmental Cheese is hard or medium-hard, while Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft.