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L'Etivaz Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about L'Etivaz Cheese and Taleggio Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between L'Etivaz Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is L'Etivaz Cheese and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
- "How does L'Etivaz Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of L'Etivaz Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is L'Etivaz Cheese or Taleggio 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.
Taleggio Cheese Overview
Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
L'Etivaz Cheese comes from Switzerland. Taleggio 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). Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
L'Etivaz Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.
Composition and Texture
L'Etivaz's texture can be described as "hard". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".
Taste and Aroma
L'Etivaz's aroma can be described as "smokey". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
L'Etivaz Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .
Rind and Rennet Type
Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.
Ranking
L'Etivaz is ranked #76 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #41 out of 996 types based on community views.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| L'Etivaz Cheese | Taleggio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Val Taleggio, Po Valley |
| Certification | GI (2011) | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Heated to 90–95°F |
| Rind | Not Specified | Soft, thin, pinkish-red |
| Texture | Hard | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center |
| Taste | Not Specified | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour |
| Aroma | Smokey | Herbaceous, aromatic |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside |
| Forms | Not Specified | Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight |
| Age | Not Specified | At least 35 (up to 50) days |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Calf rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a hard cheese, go for L'Etivaz. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick.
