Emmental Cheese vs Paneer Cheese

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

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

Paneer Cheese Overview

Paneer is a fresh, unaged cheese common in Indian and Pakistani cuisine. Made from cow or buffalo milk, it has a mild flavor and a dense, crumbly texture that holds its shape when cooked. Paneer doesn't melt, making it ideal for dishes like saag paneer, paneer tikka, and various curries where it absorbs flavors beautifully.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Emmental is ranked #32 out of 376 types.

Paneer is ranked #179 out of 376 types.

Country of Origin

Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland. Paneer Cheese originated from .

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). Paneer is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Paneer Cheese is made with cow or buffalo milk that is typically other.

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". Paneer's texture can be described as "semisoft, crumbly".

Flavor and Aroma

Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet flavor. Paneer Cheese has a mild, slightly milky flavor. Paneer's aroma can be described as "very little aroma".

Appearance and Aging

Emmental Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in round loaves and is aged 4 months to over 1 year . Paneer Cheese has a color of white , comes in rectangles, immersed in chilled water and has an aging period of fresh .

Rind and Rennet Type

Paneer Cheese uses vinegar, lemon juice, yogurt, or buttermilk rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Emmental Cheese Paneer Cheese
Country of Origin Switzerland
Specific Origin Emmental, Canton of Bern Northern India, Pakistan
Certification PDO (2004) None
Milk Type Raw Cow's Milk Cow's or buffalo's milk
Milk Treatment Raw Boiled
Fat Content Minimum of 45% (dry matter)
Texture Hard or medium-hard Semisoft, crumbly
Flavor Nutty, sweet Mild, slightly milky
Aroma Very little aroma
Colors Yellow White
Forms Round loaves Rectangles, immersed in chilled water
Age 4 months to over 1 year Fresh
Rennet Type Vinegar, lemon juice, yogurt, or buttermilk

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Paneer Cheese to Other Cheeses