Halloumi Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese

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

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

Halloumi Cheese Overview

Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also cow’s milk. Renowned for its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried to a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It has a salty flavor and is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.

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

Halloumi Cheese comes from Cyprus. 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. Halloumi Cheese has a PDO (2014). L'Etivaz Cheese has a GI (2011).

Milk Type and Treatment

Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk. L'Etivaz Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard". L'Etivaz's texture can be described as "hard".

Taste and Aroma

Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty taste. Halloumi's aroma can be described as "strong". L'Etivaz's aroma can be described as "smokey".

Appearance and Aging

Halloumi Cheese's appearance is colored white to light yellow and is aged 40 days . L'Etivaz Cheese has a color of pale yellow .

Rind and Rennet Type

Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind and uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Halloumi is ranked #95 out of 996 types based on community views. L'Etivaz is ranked #83 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Halloumi Cheese L'Etivaz Cheese
Country of Origin Cyprus Switzerland
Specific Origin Cyprus Not Specified
Certification PDO (2014) GI (2011)
Milk Type Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Not Specified Unpasteurized
Rind No rind Not Specified
Texture Semihard Hard
Taste Mild, salty Not Specified
Aroma Strong Smokey
Colors White to light yellow Pale yellow
Age 40 days Not Specified
Rennet Type Animal Not Specified

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semihard cheese, go for Halloumi. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, L'Etivaz might be the better pick.

Compare Halloumi Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare L'Etivaz Cheese to Other Cheeses

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