Emmental Cheese vs Feta Cheese

Emmental Cheese

Feta Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Emmental Cheese and Feta Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Emmental Cheese and Feta Cheese?"
  • "Is Emmental Cheese and Feta Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Emmental Cheese compare to Feta Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Emmental Cheese compare to Feta Cheese?"
  • "Is Emmental Cheese or Feta 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.

Feta Cheese Overview

Feta is a brined <a href="https://anycheese.com/glossary/cheese-curds/" title="Explore our detailed guide on cheese curds">curd</a> white cheese from Greece, made traditionally from sheep's milk, or from a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly with a slightly grainy texture and has a salty, tangy flavor. Feta is commonly used in salads, pastries, and as a table cheese, and is central to Greek cuisine.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Emmental is ranked #17 out of 377 types.

Feta is ranked #26 out of 377 types.

Country of Origin

Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland. Feta Cheese originated from Greece.

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). Feta Cheese has a PDO (2002).

Milk Type and Treatment

Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Feta Cheese is made with goat or sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized.

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". Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine".

Flavor and Aroma

Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet flavor. Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild flavor.

Appearance and Aging

Emmental Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in round loaves and is aged 4 months to over 1 year . Feta Cheese has a color of white , comes in blocks submerged in brine, barrels and has an aging period of 2 months to longer .

Rind and Rennet Type

Feta Cheese's rind is described as none .

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Emmental Cheese Feta Cheese
Country of Origin Switzerland Greece
Specific Origin Emmental, Canton of Bern Throughout Greece
Certification PDO (2004) PDO (2002)
Milk Type Raw Cow's Milk Sheep's Milk, or blend with Goat's
Milk Treatment Raw Pasteurized, sometimes raw
Fat Content Minimum of 45% (dry matter)
Moisture Content High
Rind None
Texture Hard or medium-hard Soft, white, aged in brine
Flavor Nutty, sweet Sharp to mild
Colors Yellow White
Forms Round loaves Blocks submerged in brine, barrels
Age 4 months to over 1 year 2 months to longer

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Feta Cheese to Other Cheeses

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