Frinault Cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Frinault Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Frinault Cheese?
Frinault is a soft cheese from the countryside around Orléans in France, made with pasteurized whole cow's milk at 50% fat. It comes as a small 120 g disc in three versions: plain, ash-ripened Frinault cendré, and the longer-aged Frinault sec.
What Is Raclette Cheese?
Raclette is a Swiss cheese and the dish made from it: the cheese is heated and the melted part is scraped off, usually onto boiled potatoes. It comes from the canton of Valais, where the cheese carries an AOP.
What's the Difference Between Frinault Cheese and Raclette Cheese?
- Origin: Frinault Cheese (France), Raclette Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk treatment: Frinault Cheese (pasteurized), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Frinault Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
- Rind: Frinault Cheese (natural), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
- Aging: Frinault Cheese (about 2 weeks), Raclette Cheese (3-4 months)
- Taste: Frinault Cheese (spicy), Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Frinault Cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Orléans Area, Loiret, Centre-Val De Loire, France | Alpine Regions |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | Natural | Washed |
| Aging | About 2 weeks | 3-4 months |
| Taste | Spicy | Mildly acidic |
Taste Comparison: Does Frinault Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?
Frinault Cheese reads as spicy, while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic character. More specifically, Frinault Cheese shows fruity and more perfumed in the cendré version, close to olivet cendré, while Raclette Cheese leans toward 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'. Aging plays into this as well. Frinault Cheese at about 2 weeks develops a different profile than Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months.
Can You Substitute Frinault Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
In most recipes, Frinault Cheese and Raclette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, soft-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Frinault Cheese reads as spicy while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic notes.
Which Is Better, Frinault Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, soft-ripened cheese, go with Frinault Cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Frinault Cheese suits recipes that want spicy notes, while Raclette Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly acidic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frinault Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Frinault Cheese originates in France, while Raclette Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Frinault Cheese is typically aged about 2 weeks, Raclette Cheese 3-4 months.
Is Frinault Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Frinault Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Frinault Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?
Frinault Cheese reads as spicy, while Raclette Cheese is mildly acidic.
What is Frinault Cheese made of?
Frinault Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged about 2 weeks. It originates in France.
What is Raclette Cheese made of?
Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3-4 months. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Frinault Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Frinault Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.