Époisses Cheese vs Gruyère Cheese

Époisses Cheese

Gruyère Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Époisses Cheese and Gruyère Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Époisses Cheese and Gruyère Cheese?"
  • "Is Époisses Cheese and Gruyère Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Époisses Cheese compare to Gruyère Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Époisses Cheese compare to Gruyère Cheese?"
  • "Is Époisses Cheese or Gruyère Cheese better?"

Époisses Cheese Overview

Époisses is a strongly flavored, washed-rind cheese from Burgundy, made from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy texture and rich, intense flavor with hints of barnyard and bacon. The rind is washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy during maturation, contributing to its characteristic strong smell and deep orange color. Époisses is typically eaten with crusty bread or used to add depth to sauces.

Gruyère Cheese Overview

Gruyère is a famous Swiss hard cheese, known for its rich, creamy, slightly nutty flavor. It is typically aged for six months or more and has a dense, slightly grainy texture. Gruyère is a staple in fondue and is also used in French onion soup, croque-monsieur, and various baked dishes.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Époisses is ranked #68 out of 375 types.

Gruyère is ranked #42 out of 375 types.

Country of Origin

Époisses Cheese comes from France. Gruyère Cheese originated from Switzerland.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991). Gruyère Cheese has a AOP (2007).

Milk Type and Treatment

Époisses Cheese is made with cow milk. Gruyère Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy". Gruyère Cheese has a fat content of around 32-35% fat in dry matter, which translates to about 45-50% overall fat content. and a moisture content of none. Gruyère's texture can be described as "dense, moister".

Flavor and Aroma

Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced flavor. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth". Gruyère Cheese has a nutty, complex flavor. Gruyère's aroma can be described as "earthy, fruity, possibly barnyardy".

Appearance and Aging

Époisses Cheese's appearance is colored orange ivory to brick red , is available in small and large sizes and is aged minimum of 28 days . Gruyère Cheese has a color of varies , comes in cylindrical and has an aging period of 5 months to 24+ .

Rind and Rennet Type

Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind . Gruyère Cheese's rind is described as natural, orangy , with animal rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Époisses Cheese Gruyère Cheese
Country of Origin France Switzerland
Specific Origin Auxois and Terre Plaine, Burgundy Switzerland, specifically the Gruyère region.
Certification PDO (1996), AOC (1991) AOP (2007)
Milk Type Cow's Milk Cow’s milk
Milk Treatment Raw
Fat Content Around 32-35% fat in dry matter, which translates to about 45-50% overall fat content.
Moisture Content Approximately 35-37%, characteristic of its dense texture.
Rind Washed-rind Natural, orangy
Texture Soft and creamy Dense, moister
Flavor Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced Nutty, complex
Aroma Undergrowth Earthy, fruity, possibly barnyardy
Colors Orange ivory to brick red Varies
Forms Small and large sizes Cylindrical
Age Minimum of 28 days 5 months to 24+
Rennet Type Animal

Compare Époisses Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Gruyère Cheese to Other Cheeses