Emmental Cheese vs Halloumi Cheese

Emmental Cheese

Halloumi Cheese

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

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

Halloumi Cheese Overview

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also cow’s milk. Renowned for its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried to a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It has a salty flavor and is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland. Halloumi Cheese originated from Cyprus.

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). Halloumi Cheese has a PDO (2014).

Milk Type and Treatment

Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk.

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". Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard".

Taste and Aroma

Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste. Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty taste. Halloumi's aroma can be described as "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 . Halloumi Cheese has a color of white to light yellow and has an aging period of 40 days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Emmental is ranked #16 out of 996 types based on community views. Halloumi is ranked #108 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Emmental Cheese Halloumi Cheese
Country of Origin Switzerland Cyprus
Specific Origin Emmental, Canton Of Bern Cyprus
Certification PDO (2004) PDO (2014)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk
Milk Treatment Raw Not Specified
Fat Content Minimum of 45% (dry matter) Not Specified
Rind Not Specified No rind
Texture Hard or medium-hard Semihard
Taste Nutty, sweet Mild, salty
Aroma Not Specified Strong
Colors Yellow White to light yellow
Forms Round loaves Not Specified
Age 4 months to over 1 year 40 days
Rennet Type Not Specified Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

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

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Halloumi Cheese to Other Cheeses

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