Emmental Cheese vs Saint André Cheese
Emmental Cheese is a hard or medium-hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Saint André Cheese is soft, soft-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Saint André Cheese?
Saint-André is a French triple cream cow's milk cheese from Normandy, sold as a small 200 g (7.1 oz) cylinder under a powdery white bloomy rind. Cream added during making takes its fat content to around 75 percent, and it tastes like Brie turned up.
What's the Difference Between Emmental Cheese and Saint André Cheese?
- Origin: Emmental Cheese (Switzerland), Saint André Cheese (France)
- Texture: Emmental Cheese (Hard or medium-hard), Saint André Cheese (soft, soft-ripened)
- Rind: Emmental Cheese (natural), Saint André Cheese (bloomy)
- Aging: Emmental Cheese (4 months to over 1 year), Saint André Cheese (about 30 days)
- Taste: Emmental Cheese (Nutty, sweet), Saint André Cheese (buttery, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Emmental Cheese | Saint André Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | France |
| Specific Origin | Emmental, Canton Of Bern | Normandy, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Hard or medium-hard | Soft, soft-ripened |
| Rind | Natural | Bloomy |
| Aging | 4 months to over 1 year | About 30 days |
| Taste | Nutty, sweet | Buttery, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Emmental Cheese Taste Like Saint André Cheese?
Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Saint André Cheese brings buttery, tangy character. More specifically, Emmental Cheese shows characterized by its holes ("eyes"), sweet and slightly rubbery, crystalline when aged, while Saint André Cheese leans toward like an intense version of brie, with a tangy edible rind. Aging plays into this as well. Emmental Cheese at 4 months to over 1 year develops a different profile than Saint André Cheese at about 30 days.
Can You Substitute Emmental Cheese for Saint André Cheese?
In most recipes, Emmental Cheese and Saint André Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard or medium-hard bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, soft-ripened. Flavor-wise, Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet while Saint André Cheese brings buttery, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Emmental Cheese or Saint André Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard or medium-hard cheese, go with Emmental Cheese. For a soft, soft-ripened profile, Saint André Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Emmental Cheese suits recipes that want nutty, sweet notes, while Saint André Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emmental Cheese the same as Saint André Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Emmental Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Saint André Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Emmental Cheese is typically aged 4 months to over 1 year, Saint André Cheese about 30 days.
Is Emmental Cheese similar to Saint André Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Emmental Cheese for Saint André Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Emmental Cheese taste like Saint André Cheese?
Emmental Cheese reads as nutty, sweet, while Saint André Cheese is buttery, tangy.
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 Saint André Cheese made of?
Saint André Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged about 30 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Emmental Cheese or Saint André Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Emmental Cheese is hard or medium-hard, while Saint André Cheese is soft, soft-ripened.