Mont d'Or Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese
Mont d'Or Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Mont d'Or Cheese?
Mont d'Or is a seasonal soft cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of France and Switzerland, wrapped in a band of spruce that gives it its flavor. It sells from September 10 to May 10 and is usually warmed in its spruce box and eaten like fondue.
What Is Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Raclette du Valais is a semi-hard cow milk cheese from the Swiss Canton of Valais, sold in wheels of about 6 kg (13 lb). It holds an AOP and is used above all for melting in the dish that shares its name.
What's the Difference Between Mont d'Or Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?
- Origin: Mont d'Or Cheese (France), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland)
- Texture: Mont d'Or Cheese (Soft), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
- Rind: Mont d'Or Cheese (Washed rind), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Washed)
- Aging: Mont d'Or Cheese (21 to 60 days), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker)
- Taste: Mont d'Or Cheese (Resinous, mild to pungent), Raclette du Valais Cheese ('Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal')
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Mont d'Or Cheese | Raclette du Valais Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Jura Mountains, Doubs | Canton Of Valais |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk, Eringer breed |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw |
| Texture | Soft | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | Washed rind | Washed |
| Aging | 21 to 60 days | Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker |
| Taste | Resinous, mild to pungent | 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' |
Taste Comparison: Does Mont d'Or Cheese Taste Like Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' character. More specifically, Mont d'Or Cheese shows known for its creamy taste and powerful aroma; gets resinous flavor from spruce bark, while Raclette du Valais Cheese leans toward 'floral', 'vegetal', 'fresh butter'. Aging plays into this as well. Mont d'Or Cheese at 21 to 60 days develops a different profile than Raclette du Valais Cheese at minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.
Can You Substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?
In most recipes, Mont d'Or Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' notes.
Which Is Better, Mont d'Or Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Mont d'Or Cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette du Valais Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Mont d'Or Cheese suits recipes that want resinous, mild to pungent notes, while Raclette du Valais Cheese fits dishes calling for 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mont d'Or Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Mont d'Or Cheese originates in France, while Raclette du Valais Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Mont d'Or Cheese is typically aged 21 to 60 days, Raclette du Valais Cheese minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.
Is Mont d'Or Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Mont d'Or Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Mont d'Or Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Mont d'Or Cheese reads as resinous, mild to pungent, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.
What is Mont d'Or Cheese made of?
Mont d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 21 to 60 days. It originates in France.
What is Raclette du Valais Cheese made of?
Raclette du Valais Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Mont d'Or Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Mont d'Or Cheese is soft, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth.