Emmental Cheese vs Five Counties Cheese

Emmental Cheese is a hard or medium-hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Five Counties Cheese is semi-firm and made from cow milk, originating in England.

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 Five Counties Cheese?

Five Counties cheese, originating from Somerset, England, is a semi-firm cheese made from cow's milk. It is known for its layered appearance, featuring five different types of English cheeses stacked together. The flavor is buttery and mild, with a touch of saltiness, making it a pleasant choice for those who enjoy a balanced taste. Its aroma is subtle, adding to its approachable nature. This cheese is also referred to as Five Territories, Five Shires, or Saxonshire. It is often enjoyed on cheese boards or paired with crackers and fruits for a simple yet satisfying snack.

What's the Difference Between Emmental Cheese and Five Counties Cheese?

• Origin: Emmental Cheese (Switzerland), Five Counties Cheese (England)
• Texture: Emmental Cheese (Hard or medium-hard), Five Counties Cheese (semi-firm)
• Taste: Emmental Cheese (Nutty, sweet), Five Counties Cheese (buttery, mild, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Emmental Cheese Taste Like Five Counties Cheese?

Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Five Counties Cheese brings buttery, mild, salty character.

Can You Substitute Emmental Cheese for Five Counties Cheese?

In most recipes, Emmental Cheese and Five Counties 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 semi-firm. Flavor-wise, Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet while Five Counties Cheese brings buttery, mild, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Emmental Cheese or Five Counties 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 semi-firm profile, Five Counties Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Emmental Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, sweet notes, while Five Counties Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, mild, salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Emmental Cheese the same as Five Counties Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Emmental Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Five Counties Cheese comes from England.

Is Emmental Cheese similar to Five Counties Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Emmental Cheese for Five Counties Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Emmental Cheese taste like Five Counties Cheese?

Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Five Counties Cheese is buttery, mild, salty.

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 Five Counties Cheese made of?

Five Counties Cheese is made from cow milk. It originates in England.

Which should I choose, Emmental Cheese or Five Counties Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Emmental Cheese is hard or medium-hard, while Five Counties Cheese is semi-firm.