Emmental Cheese vs Mahón-Menorca Cheese
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Emmental Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Emmental Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese?"
- "Is Emmental Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese the same?"
- "How does Emmental Cheese compare to Mahón-Menorca Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Emmental Cheese compare to Mahón-Menorca Cheese?"
- "Is Emmental Cheese or Mahón-Menorca 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.
Mahón-Menorca Cheese Overview
Mahón-Menorca is a cow's milk cheese from the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. It has a square shape with rounded edges and is known for its orange rind and soft to hard texture depending on age. The flavor is slightly salty and tangy, with buttery notes in younger cheeses and a sharper taste in older ones.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Ranking
Emmental is ranked #30 out of 376 types.
Mahón-Menorca is ranked #214 out of 376 types.
Country of Origin
Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland. Mahón-Menorca Cheese originated from Spain.
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). Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a PDO (1985).
Milk Type and Treatment
Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Mahón-Menorca Cheese is made with cow or sheep milk that is typically raw.
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". Mahón-Menorca's texture can be described as "firm".
Flavor and Aroma
Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet flavor. Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a salty and spicy flavor. Mahón-Menorca's aroma can be described as "lactic, buttery".
Appearance and Aging
Emmental Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in round loaves and is aged 4 months to over 1 year . Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a color of ivory-yellow to orangey or brownish gray , comes in parallelepiped shape and has an aging period of tender: 21-60 days, semi-cured: 2-5 months, vintage: >5 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Mahón-Menorca Cheese's rind is described as characteristic orangish , with vegetable (cynara cardunculus) rennet.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Emmental Cheese | Mahón-Menorca Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Switzerland | Spain |
Specific Origin | Emmental, Canton of Bern | Menorca, Balearic Islands |
Certification | PDO (2004) | PDO (1985) |
Milk Type | Raw Cow's Milk | Friesian, Menorcan, Brown Alpine cow’s milk, some ewe’s milk (max 5%) |
Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw or any authorized preservation technology |
Fat Content | Minimum of 45% (dry matter) | |
Rind | Characteristic orangish | |
Texture | Hard or medium-hard | Firm |
Flavor | Nutty, sweet | Salty and spicy |
Aroma | Lactic, buttery | |
Colors | Yellow | Ivory-yellow to orangey or brownish gray |
Forms | Round loaves | Parallelepiped shape |
Age | 4 months to over 1 year | Tender: 21-60 days, Semi-cured: 2-5 months, Vintage: >5 months |
Rennet Type | Vegetable (Cynara cardunculus) |