Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is a firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals cow-milk cheese, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
What Is Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese?
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar is a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) cheese made in the Orkney Islands, Scotland. It is crafted using local milk and a unique dry stir technique developed in 1984, which gives it a firm, dense texture. The cheese matures for 6 to 18 months, creating medium, mature, and extra mature varieties with savory, nutty flavors. The production process includes hand-salting the curd for even distribution and controlled maturation for consistent quality. Orkney Cheddar has won multiple awards and is known for its excellent melting properties. It is available in both white and colored forms, with the latter containing a vegetable-based pigment.
What Is Raclette Cheese?
Raclette is a Swiss cheese and the dish made from it: the cheese is heated and the melted part is scraped off, usually onto boiled potatoes. It comes from the canton of Valais, where the cheese carries an AOP.
What's the Difference Between Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese and Raclette Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (Pasteurized), Raclette Cheese (Raw)
- Texture: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (Firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals), Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth)
- Rind: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (None), Raclette Cheese (Washed)
- Aging: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (6 to 18 months), Raclette Cheese (3-4 months)
- Taste: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese (Savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging), Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Orkney Islands, North Of Scotland | Alpine Regions |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals | Semisoft, smooth |
| Rind | None | Washed |
| Aging | 6 to 18 months | 3-4 months |
| Taste | Savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging | Mildly acidic |
Taste Comparison: Does Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Raclette Cheese?
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese reads as savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging, while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic character. More specifically, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese shows moderate sharp acid notes, rounded with savory and nutty undertones, while Raclette Cheese leans toward 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'. Aging plays into this as well. Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese at 6 to 18 months develops a different profile than Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months.
Can You Substitute Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
In most recipes, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese and Raclette Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals bite and body where the recipe calls for semisoft, smooth. Flavor-wise, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese reads as savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging while Raclette Cheese brings mildly acidic notes.
Which Is Better, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals cheese, go with Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese. For a semisoft, smooth profile, Raclette Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging notes, while Raclette Cheese fits dishes calling for mildly acidic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese the same as Raclette Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is typically aged 6 to 18 months, Raclette Cheese 3-4 months.
Is Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese similar to Raclette Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese for Raclette Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese taste like Raclette Cheese?
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese reads as savory and nutty with varying sharpness depending on aging, while Raclette Cheese is mildly acidic.
What is Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese made of?
Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 6 to 18 months.
What is Raclette Cheese made of?
Raclette Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 3-4 months. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese or Raclette Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Orkney Scottish Island Cheddar Cheese is firm but malleable; smooth and closed; extra mature may have a slightly brittle texture with lactate crystals, while Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth.