Glarner Alpkäse Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese
Glarner Alpkäse Cheese is a cow-milk cheese, while L'Etivaz Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Glarner Alpkäse Cheese?
Glarner Alpkäse is a Swiss raw cow's milk cheese made on the alpine pastures of Glarus during the summer grazing season. The wheels have no holes and reach the market in mild, spicy and sharp grades. It has held AOP protection since 2014.
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 Glarner Alpkäse Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Glarner Alpkäse Cheese (raw), L'Etivaz Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Taste: Glarner Alpkäse Cheese (mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening), L'Etivaz Cheese (fruity, slightly nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Glarner Alpkäse Cheese | L'Etivaz Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Glarus, Switzerland | Vaud, Switzerland |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | — | Hard |
| Rind | Natural, formed in a salt bath | — |
| Aging | — | 5 to 13 months |
| Taste | Mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening | Fruity, slightly nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Glarner Alpkäse Cheese Taste Like L'Etivaz Cheese?
Glarner Alpkäse Cheese reads as mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening, while L'Etivaz Cheese brings fruity, slightly nutty character.
Can You Substitute Glarner Alpkäse Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
In most recipes, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese reads as mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening while L'Etivaz Cheese brings fruity, slightly nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese suits recipes that want mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening 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 Glarner Alpkäse Cheese the same as L'Etivaz Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses.
Is Glarner Alpkäse Cheese similar to L'Etivaz Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Glarner Alpkäse Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in flavor and finish.
Does Glarner Alpkäse Cheese taste like L'Etivaz Cheese?
Glarner Alpkäse Cheese reads as mild when young, more pungent with longer ripening, while L'Etivaz Cheese is fruity, slightly nutty.
What is Glarner Alpkäse Cheese made of?
Glarner Alpkäse Cheese is made from cow milk (raw).
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, Glarner Alpkäse Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.