, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
L'Etivaz Cheese vs Ricotta Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about L'Etivaz Cheese and Ricotta Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between L'Etivaz Cheese and Ricotta Cheese?"
- "Is L'Etivaz Cheese and Ricotta Cheese the same?"
- "How does L'Etivaz Cheese compare to Ricotta Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of L'Etivaz Cheese compare to Ricotta Cheese?"
- "Is L'Etivaz Cheese or Ricotta Cheese better?"
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.
Ricotta Cheese Overview
Ricotta is a soft Italian cheese made from the whey left over from the production of other cheeses, primarily sheep, cow, goat, or buffalo milk. It has a creamy texture and a mild, sweet flavor, making it versatile for both savory dishes, like lasagna and ravioli, and sweet dishes, such as cheesecakes and cannoli.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
L'Etivaz Cheese comes from Switzerland. Ricotta Cheese originated from Italy.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. L'Etivaz Cheese has a GI (2011). Ricotta is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
L'Etivaz Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized. Ricotta Cheese is made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically unknown.
Composition and Texture
L'Etivaz's texture can be described as "hard". Ricotta Cheese has a fat content of varies and a moisture content of none. Ricotta's texture can be described as "soft, moist".
Taste and Aroma
L'Etivaz's aroma can be described as "smokey". Ricotta Cheese has a sweet, slightly creamy taste. Ricotta's aroma can be described as "mild".
Appearance and Aging
L'Etivaz Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow . Ricotta Cheese has a color of white , comes in grainy soft mass and has an aging period of fresh .
Rind and Rennet Type
Ricotta Cheese's rind is described as none , with animal or microbial rennet.
Ranking
L'Etivaz is ranked #83 out of 996 types based on community views. Ricotta is ranked #22 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| L'Etivaz | Ricotta | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Fruit Compote, Pumpkin |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | Albariño, Apricot, Asti Spumante, Bresaola, Honey, Honeycomb, Kiwi, Mangoes, Pesto, Raspberry, Roasted Vegetables, Strawberries |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the L'Etivaz and Ricotta pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| L'Etivaz Cheese | Ricotta Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Certification | GI (2011) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Whey |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | Varies |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | High |
| Rind | Not Specified | None |
| Texture | Hard | Soft, moist |
| Taste | Not Specified | Sweet, slightly creamy |
| Aroma | Smokey | Mild |
| Colors | Pale yellow | White |
| Forms | Not Specified | Grainy soft mass |
| Age | Not Specified | Fresh |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Animal or Microbial |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a hard cheese, go for L'Etivaz. But if you enjoy a soft, moist consistency, Ricotta might be the better pick.
