Halloumi Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese

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

  • "What is the difference between Halloumi Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?"
  • "Is Halloumi Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Halloumi Cheese compare to Raclette du Valais Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Halloumi Cheese compare to Raclette du Valais Cheese?"
  • "Is Halloumi Cheese or Raclette du Valais 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.

Raclette du Valais Cheese Overview

Raclette du Valais is a type of Raclette from the Swiss canton of Valais. It is a PDO product, known for its exceptionally creamy texture and robust flavor that enhances when melted. This cheese is traditionally made using raw cow’s milk and enjoyed as part of the iconic raclette meal.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Halloumi Cheese comes from Cyprus. Raclette du Valais 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). Raclette du Valais Cheese has a GI (2011).

Milk Type and Treatment

Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk. Raclette du Valais Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard". Raclette du Valais Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette du Valais's texture can be described as "semisoft, smooth".

Taste and Aroma

Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty taste. Halloumi's aroma can be described as "strong". Raclette du Valais Cheese has a 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' taste.

Appearance and Aging

Halloumi Cheese's appearance is colored white to light yellow and is aged 40 days . Raclette du Valais Cheese comes in wheel, specific to aoc standards, made in the canton of valais and has an aging period of minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker .

Rind and Rennet Type

Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind and uses animal rennet. Raclette du Valais Cheese's rind is described as washed , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Halloumi is ranked #97 out of 996 types based on community views. Raclette du Valais is ranked #272 out of 996 types based on community views.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Halloumi Cheese Raclette du Valais Cheese
Country of Origin Cyprus Switzerland
Specific Origin Cyprus Canton Of Valais
Certification PDO (2014) GI (2011)
Milk Type Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk Cow's milk, Eringer breed
Milk Treatment Not Specified Raw
Moisture Content Not Specified 36-44%
Rind No rind Washed
Texture Semihard Semisoft, smooth
Taste Mild, salty 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'
Aroma Strong Not Specified
Colors White to light yellow Not Specified
Forms Not Specified Wheel, specific to AOC standards, made in the canton of Valais
Age 40 days Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker
Rennet Type Animal Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semihard cheese, go for Halloumi. But if you enjoy a semisoft, smooth consistency, Raclette du Valais might be the better pick. Halloumi has a mild, salty taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Raclette du Valais offers a 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Halloumi Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Raclette du Valais Cheese to Other Cheeses

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