Emmental Cheese vs 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

Ranking

Emmental is ranked #26 out of 375 types.

Roquefort is ranked #18 out of 375 types.

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 raw.

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".

Flavor and Aroma

Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet flavor. Roquefort Cheese has a mild to strong flavor.

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.

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 Raw Cow's Milk Sheep’s milk
Milk Treatment Raw Raw
Fat Content Minimum of 45% (dry matter)
Texture Hard or medium-hard Moist, very creamy
Flavor Nutty, sweet Mild to strong
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 Animal

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Roquefort Cheese to Other Cheeses