Emmental Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese

Emmental Cheese

Roquefort Cheese

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

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

Roquefort Cheese Overview

Roquefort is a famous blue cheese from the south of France, made from sheep's milk. It is known for its strong, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture. The cheese is ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where it develops its characteristic blue veins from the mold Penicillium roqueforti.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland. Roquefort Cheese originated from France.

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). Roquefort Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1925).

Milk Type and Treatment

Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Roquefort Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically 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". Roquefort's texture can be described as "moist, very creamy".

Taste and Aroma

Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste. Roquefort Cheese has a mild to strong taste. Roquefort's aroma can be described as "sweet".

Appearance and Aging

Emmental Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in round loaves and is aged 4 months to over 1 year . Roquefort Cheese has a color of blue-veined , comes in wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil and has an aging period of minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Roquefort Cheese uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Emmental is ranked #16 out of 996 types based on community views. Roquefort is ranked #19 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Emmental Roquefort
Best Pairings No pairings listed. Bordeaux
Other Good Pairings Dijon Mustard Barleywine, Beaujolais, Madeira, Port

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Emmental and Roquefort pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Emmental Cheese Roquefort Cheese
Country of Origin Switzerland France
Specific Origin Emmental, Canton Of Bern Roquefort-Sur-Soulzon, South Of France
Certification PDO (2004) PDO (1996), AOC (1925)
Milk Type Cow's milk Sheep's milk
Milk Treatment Raw Unpasteurized
Fat Content Minimum of 45% (dry matter) Not Specified
Texture Hard or medium-hard Moist, very creamy
Taste Nutty, sweet Mild to strong
Aroma Not Specified Sweet
Colors Yellow Blue-veined
Forms Round loaves Wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil
Age 4 months to over 1 year Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months
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 moist, very creamy consistency, Roquefort might be the better pick. Emmental has a nutty, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Roquefort offers a mild to strong profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Roquefort Cheese to Other Cheeses

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