Emmental Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese

Emmental Cheese

Red Leicester Cheese

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

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

Red Leicester Cheese Overview

Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland. Red Leicester Cheese originated from United Kingdom.

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). Red Leicester is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.

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". Red Leicester Cheese has a fat content of high and a moisture content of none. Red Leicester's texture can be described as "hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly".

Taste and Aroma

Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste. Red Leicester Cheese has a caramel, sweet taste. Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild".

Appearance and Aging

Emmental Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in round loaves and is aged 4 months to over 1 year . Red Leicester Cheese has a color of reddish-orange , comes in traditional cylindrical, industrial block and has an aging period of 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial .

Rind and Rennet Type

Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Emmental is ranked #16 out of 996 types based on community views. Red Leicester is ranked #69 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Emmental Cheese Red Leicester Cheese
Country of Origin Switzerland United Kingdom
Specific Origin Emmental, Canton Of Bern Leicestershire
Certification PDO (2004) Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Raw Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others)
Fat Content Minimum of 45% (dry matter) High
Moisture Content Not Specified Medium
Rind Not Specified Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial)
Texture Hard or medium-hard Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly
Taste Nutty, sweet Caramel, sweet
Aroma Not Specified Mild
Colors Yellow Reddish-orange
Forms Round loaves Traditional cylindrical, industrial block
Age 4 months to over 1 year 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial
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 hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly consistency, Red Leicester might be the better pick. Emmental has a nutty, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Red Leicester offers a caramel, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Red Leicester Cheese to Other Cheeses

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