Emmental Cheese vs Figue Cheese
Emmental Cheese is a hard or medium-hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Figue Cheese is soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in France.
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 Figue Cheese?
Figue is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in the Provence region of France. It has a creamy white color and a natural rind. Known for its full-flavored and sour taste, Figue offers a rich experience for those who enjoy goat's milk cheeses. Its aromatic, milky scent enhances its appeal, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts. The cheese is often shaped like a small fig, which is reflected in its name. Enjoy it on a cheese board or paired with fresh bread and a glass of wine to appreciate its flavorful profile.
What's the Difference Between Emmental Cheese and Figue Cheese?
- Origin: Emmental Cheese (Switzerland), Figue Cheese (France)
- Milk type: Emmental Cheese (cow's milk), Figue Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Emmental Cheese (Raw), Figue Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Emmental Cheese (Hard or medium-hard), Figue Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Taste: Emmental Cheese (Nutty, sweet), Figue Cheese (full-flavored, sour)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Emmental Cheese | Figue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | France |
| Specific Origin | Emmental, Canton Of Bern | Provence |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard or medium-hard | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Aging | 4 months to over 1 year | — |
| Taste | Nutty, sweet | Full-flavored, sour |
Taste Comparison: Does Emmental Cheese Taste Like Figue Cheese?
Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Figue Cheese brings full-flavored, sour character.
Can You Substitute Emmental Cheese for Figue Cheese?
Emmental Cheese can stand in for Figue Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard or medium-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet while Figue Cheese brings full-flavored, sour notes.
Which Is Better, Emmental Cheese or Figue 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, artisan profile, Figue Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Emmental Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, sweet notes, while Figue Cheese fits dishes calling for full-flavored, sour.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emmental Cheese the same as Figue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Emmental Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Figue Cheese comes from France. Emmental Cheese is made from cow milk; Figue Cheese uses goat.
Is Emmental Cheese similar to Figue Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Emmental Cheese for Figue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Emmental Cheese taste like Figue Cheese?
Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Figue Cheese is full-flavored, sour.
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 Figue Cheese made of?
Figue Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Emmental Cheese or Figue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Emmental Cheese is hard or medium-hard, while Figue Cheese is soft, artisan.