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Feta Cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Feta Cheese
Raclette Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Feta Cheese and Raclette Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Feta Cheese and Raclette Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese and Raclette Cheese the same?"
- "How does Feta Cheese compare to Raclette Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Feta Cheese compare to Raclette Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese or Raclette Cheese better?"
Feta Cheese Overview
Feta is a brined curd white cheese from Greece, made traditionally from sheep's milk, or from a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly with a slightly grainy texture and has a salty, tangy flavor. Feta is commonly used in salads, pastries, and as a table cheese, and is central to Greek cuisine.
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
Country of Origin
Feta Cheese comes from Greece. 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. Feta Cheese has a PDO (2002). Raclette Cheese has a .
Milk Type and Treatment
Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Raclette Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.
Composition and Texture
Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine". Raclette Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette's texture can be described as "semisoft, smooth".
Taste and Aroma
Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong". Raclette Cheese has a mildly acidic taste.
Appearance and Aging
Feta Cheese's appearance is colored white , is available in blocks submerged in brine, barrels and is aged 2 months to longer . 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
Feta Cheese's rind is described as none . Raclette Cheese's rind is described as washed , with animal rennet.
Ranking
Feta is ranked #25 out of 996 types based on community views. Raclette is ranked #55 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Feta | Raclette | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Albariño, Asparagus, Avocado, Cod, Dirty Martini, Green Tea, Kiwi, Kolsch, Kombucha, Mangoes, Muscat, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pistachios, Pumpkin, Riesling, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Sauvignon Blanc, Seaweed, Shrimp, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Beaujolais, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Chicken, Dried Cranberries, Fruit Compote, Gamay, German Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Tacos, Tequila, Tuna, Viognier | Riesling |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Feta and Raclette pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feta Cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Throughout Greece | Alpine Regions |
| Certification | PDO (2002) | |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | Raw |
| Moisture Content | High | 36-44% |
| Rind | None | Washed |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Semisoft, smooth |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | Mildly acidic |
| Aroma | Nutty, strong | Not Specified |
| Colors | White | Not Specified |
| Forms | Blocks submerged in brine, barrels | Wheel, 14-15 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches in height and weighing between 15 to 18 pounds |
| Age | 2 months to longer | 3-4 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, white, aged in brine cheese, go for Feta. But if you enjoy a semisoft, smooth consistency, Raclette might be the better pick. Feta has a sharp to mild taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Raclette offers a mildly acidic profile, ideal for different meals.
