Fromage Frais Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese
Fromage Frais Cheese is a fresh soft cheese from France, while L'Etivaz Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Fromage Frais Cheese?
Fromage frais is an acid-coagulated fresh cheese from northern France and southern Belgium, sold with its live cultures still active. It looks and eats much like yogurt, and turns up in desserts, on bread under jam, and in savoury cooking.
What Is L'Etivaz Cheese?
L'Etivaz is a hard raw cow's milk cheese from the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, made only during the summer Alpine grazing season in copper cauldrons over wood fires. It tastes close to Gruyère surchoix, fruity and slightly nutty.
What's the Difference Between Fromage Frais Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?
- Origin: Fromage Frais Cheese (France), L'Etivaz Cheese (Switzerland)
- Texture: Fromage Frais Cheese (fresh soft), L'Etivaz Cheese (hard)
- Taste: Fromage Frais Cheese (milky, smooth), L'Etivaz Cheese (fruity, slightly nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fromage Frais Cheese | L'Etivaz Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Northern France And Southern Belgium | Vaud, Switzerland |
| Milk Type | — | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Fresh soft | Hard |
| Aging | — | 5 to 13 months |
| Taste | Milky, smooth | Fruity, slightly nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Fromage Frais Cheese Taste Like L'Etivaz Cheese?
Fromage Frais Cheese reads as milky, smooth, while L'Etivaz Cheese brings fruity, slightly nutty character. On the nose, Fromage Frais Cheese offers mild, contrasted with L'Etivaz Cheese's smokey.
Can You Substitute Fromage Frais Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
Fromage Frais Cheese can stand in for L'Etivaz Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect fresh soft bite and body where the recipe calls for hard. Flavor-wise, Fromage Frais Cheese reads as milky, smooth while L'Etivaz Cheese brings fruity, slightly nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Fromage Frais Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a fresh soft cheese, go with Fromage Frais Cheese. For a hard profile, L'Etivaz Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fromage Frais Cheese suits recipes that want milky, smooth notes, while L'Etivaz Cheese fits dishes calling for fruity, slightly nutty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fromage Frais Cheese the same as L'Etivaz Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Fromage Frais Cheese originates in France, while L'Etivaz Cheese comes from Switzerland.
Is Fromage Frais Cheese similar to L'Etivaz Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Fromage Frais Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Fromage Frais Cheese taste like L'Etivaz Cheese?
Fromage Frais Cheese reads as milky, smooth, while L'Etivaz Cheese is fruity, slightly nutty. Aromas also diverge. Fromage Frais Cheese leans mild, and L'Etivaz Cheese is closer to smokey.
What is Fromage Frais Cheese made of?
Fromage Frais Cheese is made from milk. It originates in France.
What is L'Etivaz Cheese made of?
L'Etivaz Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 5 to 13 months. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Fromage Frais Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fromage Frais Cheese is fresh soft, while L'Etivaz Cheese is hard.