Gruyere Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Gruyere Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Gruyere Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?"
• "Is Gruyere Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese the same?"
• "How does Gruyere Cheese compare to L'Etivaz Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Gruyere Cheese compare to L'Etivaz Cheese?"
• "Is Gruyere Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese better?"

Gruyere Cheese Overview

American Gruyere is inspired by the classic Swiss cheese but made in the United States. It replicates the sweet, slightly nutty flavor of traditional Gruyere. This version is typically smoother and creamier, with fewer age-induced cracks and holes. It is commonly used in cooking, especially in fondues, gratins, and baked dishes.

L'Etivaz Cheese Overview

L'Etivaz is a hard Alpine cheese from the Vaud region of Switzerland, similar to Gruyère but made in a more artisanal fashion. It is produced only from May to October, using milk from cows grazing on mountain pastures. The cheese has a complex flavor, with fruity, nutty notes and a hint of smokiness, developed during the traditional wood-fired production process.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Gruyere Cheese comes from United States. L'Etivaz 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. Gruyere is not a protected cheese. L'Etivaz Cheese has a GI (2011).

Milk Type and Treatment

Gruyere Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. L'Etivaz Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Gruyere Cheese has a fat content of ~30-34% and a moisture content of ~36-40%. Gruyere's texture can be described as "semi-firm". L'Etivaz's texture can be described as "hard".

Taste and Aroma

Gruyere Cheese has a mild, nutty, slightly buttery taste. Gruyere's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly nutty, buttery". L'Etivaz's aroma can be described as "smokey".

Appearance and Aging

Gruyere Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow to golden , is available in block, wheel, sliced, shredded and is aged typically 3-6 months . L'Etivaz Cheese has a color of pale yellow .

Rind and Rennet Type

Gruyere Cheese's rind is described as natural or brushed, sometimes waxed and uses microbial or vegetarian (varies by producer) rennet.

Ranking

Gruyere is ranked #43 out of 996 types based on community views. L'Etivaz is ranked #78 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Gruyere and L'Etivaz pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-firm cheese, go for Gruyere. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, L'Etivaz might be the better pick.

Compare Gruyere Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare L'Etivaz Cheese to Other Cheeses