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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 curd 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
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 and 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".
Taste and Aroma
Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste. Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong".
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 .
Ranking
Emmental is ranked #14 out of 996 types based on community views. Feta is ranked #33 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Emmental | Feta | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Albariño, Asparagus, Avocado, Cod, Dirty Martini, Green Tea, Kiwi, Kolsch, Kombucha, Mangoes, Muscat, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pistachios, Pumpkin, Riesling, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Sauvignon Blanc, Seaweed, Shrimp, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes |
| Other Good Pairings | Dijon Mustard | Beaujolais, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Chicken, Dried Cranberries, Fruit Compote, Gamay, German Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Tacos, Tequila, Tuna, Viognier |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Emmental and Feta pages.
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 | Cow's milk | Goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized, sometimes raw |
| Fat Content | Minimum of 45% (dry matter) | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | High |
| Rind | Not Specified | None |
| Texture | Hard or medium-hard | Soft, white, aged in brine |
| Taste | Nutty, sweet | Sharp to mild |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Nutty, strong |
| Colors | Yellow | White |
| Forms | Round loaves | Blocks submerged in brine, barrels |
| Age | 4 months to over 1 year | 2 months to longer |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a hard or medium-hard cheese, go for Emmental. But if you enjoy a soft, white, aged in brine consistency, Feta might be the better pick. Emmental has a nutty, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Feta offers a sharp to mild profile, ideal for different meals.
