Emmental Cheese vs Sheep's Milk Cheese
Emmental Cheese is a hard or medium-hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Sheep's Milk Cheese is a sheep-milk cheese.
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 Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Sheep's milk cheese is cheese made from ewe's milk, one of the three main milks used for cheese alongside cow and goat. Because sheep milk is high in fat, these cheeses are known for a concentrated, full-bodied taste.
What's the Difference Between Emmental Cheese and Sheep's Milk Cheese?
- Milk type: Emmental Cheese (cow's milk), Sheep's Milk Cheese (sheep)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Emmental Cheese | Sheep's Milk Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | — |
| Specific Origin | Emmental, Canton Of Bern | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Sheep |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Hard or medium-hard | — |
| Rind | Natural | — |
| Aging | 4 months to over 1 year | — |
| Taste | Nutty, sweet | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Emmental Cheese Taste Like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct.
Can You Substitute Emmental Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Emmental Cheese can stand in for Sheep's Milk Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe.
Which Is Better, Emmental Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Emmental Cheese the same as Sheep's Milk Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Emmental Cheese is made from cow milk; Sheep's Milk Cheese uses sheep.
Is Emmental Cheese similar to Sheep's Milk Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Emmental Cheese for Sheep's Milk Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Emmental Cheese taste like Sheep's Milk Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Sheep's Milk Cheese made of?
Sheep's Milk Cheese is made from sheep milk, using animal or microbial rennet.
Which should I choose, Emmental Cheese or Sheep's Milk Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.