Époisses Cheese vs Raclette Cheese

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

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

Raclette Cheese Overview

Raclette is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, famous for melting beautifully. It is native to parts of Switzerland and France. The cheese is typically heated, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then scraped onto diners' plates; it's commonly served with small potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions, and dried meat.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Époisses is ranked #66 out of 376 types.

Raclette is ranked #58 out of 376 types.

Country of Origin

Époisses Cheese comes from France. Raclette 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). Raclette Cheese has a .

Milk Type and Treatment

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

Composition and Texture

Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy". Raclette Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette's texture can be described as "semisoft, smooth".

Flavor and Aroma

Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced flavor. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth". Raclette Cheese has a mildly acidic flavor.

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 . Raclette Cheese comes in wheel, 14-15 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches in height and weighing between 15 to 18 pounds and has an aging period of 3-4 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind . Raclette Cheese's rind is described as washed , with animal rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Époisses Cheese Raclette Cheese
Country of Origin France Switzerland
Specific Origin Auxois and Terre Plaine, Burgundy Alpine regions
Certification PDO (1996), AOC (1991)
Milk Type Cow's Milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Raw
Moisture Content 36-44%
Rind Washed-rind Washed
Texture Soft and creamy Semisoft, smooth
Flavor Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced Mildly acidic
Aroma Undergrowth
Colors Orange ivory to brick red
Forms Small and large sizes Wheel, 14-15 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches in height and weighing between 15 to 18 pounds
Age Minimum of 28 days 3-4 months
Rennet Type Animal

Compare Époisses Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Raclette Cheese to Other Cheeses