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Emmental Cheese vs Stilton Cheese
Emmental Cheese
Stilton Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Emmental Cheese and Stilton Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Emmental Cheese and Stilton Cheese?"
- "Is Emmental Cheese and Stilton Cheese the same?"
- "How does Emmental Cheese compare to Stilton Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Emmental Cheese compare to Stilton Cheese?"
- "Is Emmental Cheese or Stilton 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.
Stilton Cheese Overview
Stilton is one of the best-known British blue cheeses, traditionally made in two varieties: blue and white. Blue Stilton is creamy and crumbly with a distinctively sharp, rich flavor produced by the blue veins. White Stilton, less common, is the milder of the two and does not have the blue veining.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland. Stilton Cheese originated from England.
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). Stilton Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Stilton Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
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". Stilton's texture can be described as "hard, blue-veined".
Taste and Aroma
Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste. Stilton Cheese has a spicy, strong taste.
Appearance and Aging
Emmental Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in round loaves and is aged 4 months to over 1 year . Stilton Cheese has a color of blue-grey .
Rind and Rennet Type
Stilton Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Emmental is ranked #16 out of 996 types based on community views. Stilton is ranked #23 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Emmental | Stilton | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Barleywine, Madeira |
| Other Good Pairings | Dijon Mustard | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Emmental and Stilton pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Emmental Cheese | Stilton Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | England |
| Specific Origin | Emmental, Canton Of Bern | Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire |
| Certification | PDO (2004) | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Minimum of 45% (dry matter) | Not Specified |
| Rind | Not Specified | Natural |
| Texture | Hard or medium-hard | Hard, blue-veined |
| Taste | Nutty, sweet | Spicy, strong |
| Colors | Yellow | Blue-grey |
| Forms | Round loaves | Not Specified |
| Age | 4 months to over 1 year | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a hard or medium-hard cheese, go for Emmental. But if you enjoy a hard, blue-veined consistency, Stilton might be the better pick. Emmental has a nutty, sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Stilton offers a spicy, strong profile, ideal for different meals.
