Emmental Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese

Emmental Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.

What Is Emmental Cheese?

Emmental is a yellow, medium-hard Swiss cheese from the Emme Valley, known for the natural holes that run through it. The taste is savoury but mild. It is eaten cold in chunks or slices and melted into dishes such as gratins.

What Is Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Raclette du Valais is a semi-hard cow milk cheese from the Swiss Canton of Valais, sold in wheels of about 6 kg (13 lb). It holds an AOP and is used above all for melting in the dish that shares its name.

What's the Difference Between Emmental Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?

• Rind: Emmental Cheese (natural), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Washed)
• Aging: Emmental Cheese (4 months to over 1 year), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker)
• Taste: Emmental Cheese (Nutty, sweet), Raclette du Valais Cheese ('Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal')

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Emmental Cheese Taste Like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' character. More specifically, Emmental Cheese shows characterized by its holes ("eyes"), sweet and slightly rubbery, crystalline when aged, while Raclette du Valais Cheese leans toward 'floral', 'vegetal', 'fresh butter'. Aging plays into this as well. Emmental Cheese at 4 months to over 1 year develops a different profile than Raclette du Valais Cheese at minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.

Can You Substitute Emmental Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

In most recipes, Emmental Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' notes.

Which Is Better, Emmental Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Emmental Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, sweet notes, while Raclette du Valais Cheese fits dishes calling for 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Emmental Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Emmental Cheese is typically aged 4 months to over 1 year, Raclette du Valais Cheese minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.

Is Emmental Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.

Can I substitute Emmental Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.

Does Emmental Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?

Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.

What is Emmental Cheese made of?

Emmental Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged 4 months to over 1 year. It originates in Switzerland.

What is Raclette du Valais Cheese made of?

Raclette du Valais Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker. It originates in Switzerland.

Which should I choose, Emmental Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.