L'Etivaz Cheese vs Tête de Moine Cheese
L'Etivaz Cheese is a hard cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Tête de Moine Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is L'Etivaz Cheese?
L'Etivaz is a hard raw cow's milk cheese from the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, made only during the summer Alpine grazing season in copper cauldrons over wood fires. It tastes close to Gruyère surchoix, fruity and slightly nutty.
What Is Tête de Moine Cheese?
Tête de Moine AOP is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the Swiss Jura, first made by the canons of Bellelay abbey in the 12th century. It is not sliced but pared into thin rosettes with a Girolle.
What's the Difference Between L'Etivaz Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese?
- Texture: L'Etivaz Cheese (hard), Tête de Moine Cheese (semi-hard)
- Aging: L'Etivaz Cheese (5 to 13 months), Tête de Moine Cheese (at least 2½ months)
- Taste: L'Etivaz Cheese (fruity, slightly nutty), Tête de Moine Cheese (nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| L'Etivaz Cheese | Tête de Moine Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Vaud, Switzerland | Bernese Jura And Canton Of Jura, Switzerland |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Hard | Semi-hard |
| Rind | — | Firm, grainy natural crust |
| Aging | 5 to 13 months | At least 2½ months |
| Taste | Fruity, slightly nutty | Nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does L'Etivaz Cheese Taste Like Tête de Moine Cheese?
L'Etivaz Cheese reads as fruity, slightly nutty, while Tête de Moine Cheese brings nutty character. On the nose, L'Etivaz Cheese offers smokey, contrasted with Tête de Moine Cheese's rich. Aging plays into this as well. L'Etivaz Cheese at 5 to 13 months develops a different profile than Tête de Moine Cheese at at least 2½ months.
Can You Substitute L'Etivaz Cheese for Tête de Moine Cheese?
In most recipes, L'Etivaz Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect hard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, L'Etivaz Cheese reads as fruity, slightly nutty while Tête de Moine Cheese brings nutty notes.
Which Is Better, L'Etivaz Cheese or Tête de Moine Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard cheese, go with L'Etivaz Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Tête de Moine Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, L'Etivaz Cheese suits recipes that want fruity, slightly nutty notes, while Tête de Moine Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is L'Etivaz Cheese the same as Tête de Moine Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: L'Etivaz Cheese is typically aged 5 to 13 months, Tête de Moine Cheese at least 2½ months.
Is L'Etivaz Cheese similar to Tête de Moine Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute L'Etivaz Cheese for Tête de Moine Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does L'Etivaz Cheese taste like Tête de Moine Cheese?
L'Etivaz Cheese reads as fruity, slightly nutty, while Tête de Moine Cheese is nutty. Aromas also diverge. L'Etivaz Cheese leans smokey, and Tête de Moine Cheese is closer to rich.
What is L'Etivaz Cheese made of?
L'Etivaz Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 5 to 13 months. It originates in Switzerland.
What is Tête de Moine Cheese made of?
Tête de Moine Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 2½ months. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, L'Etivaz Cheese or Tête de Moine Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. L'Etivaz Cheese is hard, while Tête de Moine Cheese is semi-hard.