Emmental Cheese vs Friesla Cheese
Emmental Cheese is a hard or medium-hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Friesla Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from sheep milk, originating in England.
Buy Emmental Cheese
Buy Friesla Cheese
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 Friesla Cheese?
Friesla is a semi-hard cheese made from pasteurized sheep's milk in Devon, England. This artisan cheese has a pale yellow color and a natural rind. It offers a sweet flavor profile, complemented by a similarly sweet aroma. The cheese's texture is firm yet slightly pliable, making it a pleasing choice for various culinary applications. Its sweet taste makes it a wonderful addition to cheese boards, pairing well with fruits and nuts. Friesla reflects the quality of English sheep's milk and traditional cheese-making practices in the region.
What's the Difference Between Emmental Cheese and Friesla Cheese?
- Origin: Emmental Cheese (Switzerland), Friesla Cheese (England)
- Milk type: Emmental Cheese (cow's milk), Friesla Cheese (sheep's milk)
- Milk treatment: Emmental Cheese (Raw), Friesla Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Emmental Cheese (Hard or medium-hard), Friesla Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Taste: Emmental Cheese (Nutty, sweet), Friesla Cheese (sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Emmental Cheese | Friesla Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | England |
| Specific Origin | Emmental, Canton Of Bern | Devon |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Hard or medium-hard | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Natural | Natural |
| Aging | 4 months to over 1 year | — |
| Taste | Nutty, sweet | Sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Emmental Cheese Taste Like Friesla Cheese?
Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Friesla Cheese brings sweet character.
Can You Substitute Emmental Cheese for Friesla Cheese?
Emmental Cheese can stand in for Friesla 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 semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet while Friesla Cheese brings sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Emmental Cheese or Friesla 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-hard, artisan profile, Friesla Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Emmental Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, sweet notes, while Friesla Cheese fits dishes calling for sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emmental Cheese the same as Friesla Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Emmental Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Friesla Cheese comes from England. Emmental Cheese is made from cow milk; Friesla Cheese uses sheep.
Is Emmental Cheese similar to Friesla Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Emmental Cheese for Friesla Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Emmental Cheese taste like Friesla Cheese?
Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Friesla Cheese is sweet.
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 Friesla Cheese made of?
Friesla Cheese is made from sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Emmental Cheese or Friesla Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Emmental Cheese is hard or medium-hard, while Friesla Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.