Emmental Cheese vs Pimento Cheese

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

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

Pimento Cheese Overview

Pimento cheese is a popular spread in the Southern United States, made from cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, and mayonnaise. Sometimes referred to as the "pâté of the South," it has a creamy, tangy flavor and is often used as a filling for sandwiches, a topping for crackers, or a dip for vegetables.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Emmental is ranked #32 out of 376 types.

Pimento is ranked #65 out of 376 types.

Country of Origin

Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland. Pimento Cheese originated from United States.

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). Pimento is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Pimento Cheese is made with unknown 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". Pimento's texture can be described as "spreadable".

Flavor and Aroma

Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet flavor. Pimento Cheese has a sweet, rounded chili flavor. Pimento's aroma can be described as "sweet, rounded chili".

Appearance and Aging

Emmental Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in round loaves and is aged 4 months to over 1 year . Pimento Cheese comes in grated cheese mixed into a spread .

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Emmental Cheese Pimento Cheese
Country of Origin Switzerland United States
Specific Origin Emmental, Canton of Bern Southern United States
Certification PDO (2004) None
Milk Type Raw Cow's Milk Cheddar, farmers’ style
Milk Treatment Raw
Fat Content Minimum of 45% (dry matter)
Texture Hard or medium-hard Spreadable
Flavor Nutty, sweet Sweet, rounded chili
Aroma Sweet, rounded chili
Colors Yellow
Forms Round loaves Grated cheese mixed into a spread
Age 4 months to over 1 year

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Pimento Cheese to Other Cheeses