Emmental Cheese vs Gorgonzola Cheese

Emmental Cheese

Gorgonzola Cheese

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

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

Gorgonzola Cheese Overview

Gorgonzola is one of the world's oldest blue-veined cheeses, produced in Northern Italy. It's rich and creamy with a sharp, piquant flavor that varies depending on its age. Gorgonzola can be spicy (Piccante) or sweet (Dolce), with the latter being softer and less aged.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland. Gorgonzola Cheese originated from Italy.

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). Gorgonzola Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Gorgonzola Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically 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". Gorgonzola Cheese has a fat content of 25-35%. Gorgonzola's texture can be described as "soft to crumbly".

Taste and Aroma

Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste. Gorgonzola Cheese has a sweet to savory taste. Gorgonzola's aroma can be described as "nutty".

Appearance and Aging

Emmental Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in round loaves and is aged 4 months to over 1 year . Gorgonzola Cheese has a color of straw-white, blue-green veins , comes in 13 to 26 pounds and has an aging period of 2 to 3 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Gorgonzola Cheese's rind is described as none .

Ranking

Emmental is ranked #15 out of 996 types based on community views. Gorgonzola is ranked #20 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Emmental Gorgonzola
Best Pairings No pairings listed. Asti Spumante, Dried Fruit, Steak
Other Good Pairings Dijon Mustard Bresaola

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Emmental and Gorgonzola pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Emmental Cheese Gorgonzola Cheese
Country of Origin Switzerland Italy
Specific Origin Emmental, Canton Of Bern Lombardy, Piedmont
Certification PDO (2004) PDO (1996)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Raw Pasteurized
Fat Content Minimum of 45% (dry matter) 25-35%
Rind Not Specified None
Texture Hard or medium-hard Soft to crumbly
Taste Nutty, sweet Sweet to savory
Aroma Not Specified Nutty
Colors Yellow Straw-white, blue-green veins
Forms Round loaves 13 to 26 pounds
Age 4 months to over 1 year 2 to 3 months

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard or medium-hard cheese, go for Emmental. But if you enjoy a soft to crumbly consistency, Gorgonzola might be the better pick. Emmental has a nutty, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Gorgonzola offers a sweet to savory profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Gorgonzola Cheese to Other Cheeses

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