Raclette du Valais Cheese vs Ricotta Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Raclette du Valais Cheese and Ricotta Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Raclette du Valais Cheese and Ricotta Cheese?"
  • "Is Raclette du Valais Cheese and Ricotta Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Raclette du Valais Cheese compare to Ricotta Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Raclette du Valais Cheese compare to Ricotta Cheese?"
  • "Is Raclette du Valais Cheese or Ricotta Cheese better?"

Raclette du Valais Cheese Overview

Raclette du Valais is a type of Raclette from the Swiss canton of Valais. It is a PDO product, known for its exceptionally creamy texture and robust flavor that enhances when melted. This cheese is traditionally made using raw cow’s milk and enjoyed as part of the iconic raclette meal.

Ricotta Cheese Overview

Ricotta is a soft Italian cheese made from the whey left over from the production of other cheeses, primarily sheep, cow, goat, or buffalo milk. It has a creamy texture and a mild, sweet flavor, making it versatile for both savory dishes, like lasagna and ravioli, and sweet dishes, such as cheesecakes and cannoli.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Raclette du Valais Cheese comes from Switzerland. Ricotta 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. Raclette du Valais Cheese has a GI (2011). Ricotta is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Raclette du Valais Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Ricotta Cheese is made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically unknown.

Composition and Texture

Raclette du Valais Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette du Valais's texture can be described as "semisoft, smooth". Ricotta Cheese has a fat content of varies and a moisture content of 36-44%. Ricotta's texture can be described as "soft, moist".

Taste and Aroma

Raclette du Valais Cheese has a 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' taste. Ricotta Cheese has a sweet, slightly creamy taste. Ricotta's aroma can be described as "mild".

Appearance and Aging

Raclette du Valais Cheese's appearance is available in wheel, specific to aoc standards, made in the canton of valais and is aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker . Ricotta Cheese has a color of white , comes in grainy soft mass and has an aging period of fresh .

Rind and Rennet Type

Raclette du Valais Cheese's rind is described as washed and uses animal rennet. Ricotta Cheese's rind is described as none , with animal or microbial rennet.

Ranking

Raclette du Valais is ranked #285 out of 996 types based on community views. Ricotta is ranked #22 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Raclette du Valais Ricotta
Best Pairings No pairings listed. Fruit Compote, Pumpkin
Other Good Pairings No additional pairings listed. Albariño, Apricot, Asti Spumante, Bresaola, Honey, Honeycomb, Kiwi, Mangoes, Pesto, Raspberry, Roasted Vegetables, Strawberries

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Raclette du Valais and Ricotta pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Raclette du Valais Cheese Ricotta Cheese
Country of Origin Switzerland Italy
Specific Origin Canton Of Valais Not Specified
Certification GI (2011) Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's milk, Eringer breed Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk
Milk Treatment Raw Whey
Fat Content Not Specified Varies
Moisture Content 36-44% High
Rind Washed None
Texture Semisoft, smooth Soft, moist
Taste 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' Sweet, slightly creamy
Aroma Not Specified Mild
Colors Not Specified White
Forms Wheel, specific to AOC standards, made in the canton of Valais Grainy soft mass
Age Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker Fresh
Rennet Type Animal Animal or Microbial

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semisoft, smooth cheese, go for Raclette du Valais. But if you enjoy a soft, moist consistency, Ricotta might be the better pick. Raclette du Valais has a 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Ricotta offers a sweet, slightly creamy profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Raclette du Valais Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Ricotta Cheese to Other Cheeses

Did you find what you are looking for?