L'Etivaz Cheese vs Swiss Cheese

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

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

Swiss Cheese Overview

Swiss cheese in the United States refers to a group of cheeses that resemble the Emmental cheese from Switzerland, known for their medium-hard texture and distinctive holes or "eyes." American Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and sweet, with a smooth, creamy texture, making it popular for sandwiches and burgers.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

L'Etivaz Cheese comes from Switzerland. Swiss Cheese originated from United States.

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). Swiss is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

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

Composition and Texture

L'Etivaz's texture can be described as "hard". Swiss Cheese has a fat content of ~28-32% and a moisture content of none. Swiss's texture can be described as "semi-firm".

Taste and Aroma

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

Appearance and Aging

L'Etivaz Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow . Swiss Cheese has a color of pale yellow , comes in block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 1-3 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Swiss Cheese's rind is described as none , with microbial or vegetarian rennet.

Ranking

L'Etivaz is ranked #77 out of 996 types based on community views. Swiss is ranked #74 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

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

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

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

Compare L'Etivaz Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Swiss Cheese to Other Cheeses