Raclette du Valais Cheese vs Stilton Cheese
Raclette du Valais Cheese is a semisoft, smooth cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Stilton Cheese is hard, blue-veined and made from cow milk, originating in England.
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 Is Stilton Cheese?
Stilton is an English cheese made in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, in a blue version and a white one. The blue kind gets its veins from Penicillium roqueforti. Both hold PDO status, so no cheese made elsewhere can use the name.
What's the Difference Between Raclette du Valais Cheese and Stilton Cheese?
- Origin: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland), Stilton Cheese (England)
- Milk treatment: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Raw), Stilton Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Semisoft, smooth), Stilton Cheese (hard, blue-veined)
- Rind: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Washed), Stilton Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker), Stilton Cheese (9 to 12 weeks)
- Taste: Raclette du Valais Cheese ('Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'), Stilton Cheese (spicy, strong)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Raclette du Valais Cheese | Stilton Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | England |
| Specific Origin | Canton Of Valais | Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk, Eringer breed | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semisoft, smooth | Hard, blue-veined |
| Rind | Washed | Natural |
| Aging | Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker | 9 to 12 weeks |
| Taste | 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' | Spicy, strong |
Taste Comparison: Does Raclette du Valais Cheese Taste Like Stilton Cheese?
Raclette du Valais Cheese reads as 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal', while Stilton Cheese brings spicy, strong character. Aging plays into this as well. Raclette du Valais Cheese at minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker develops a different profile than Stilton Cheese at 9 to 12 weeks.
Can You Substitute Raclette du Valais Cheese for Stilton Cheese?
In most recipes, Raclette du Valais Cheese and Stilton Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semisoft, smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for hard, blue-veined. Flavor-wise, Raclette du Valais Cheese reads as 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' while Stilton Cheese brings spicy, strong notes.
Which Is Better, Raclette du Valais Cheese or Stilton Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semisoft, smooth cheese, go with Raclette du Valais Cheese. For a hard, blue-veined profile, Stilton Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Raclette du Valais Cheese suits recipes that want 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' notes, while Stilton Cheese fits dishes calling for spicy, strong.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raclette du Valais Cheese the same as Stilton Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Raclette du Valais Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Stilton Cheese comes from England. Aging also differs: Raclette du Valais Cheese is typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker, Stilton Cheese 9 to 12 weeks.
Is Raclette du Valais Cheese similar to Stilton Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Raclette du Valais Cheese for Stilton Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Raclette du Valais Cheese taste like Stilton Cheese?
Raclette du Valais Cheese reads as 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal', while Stilton Cheese is spicy, strong.
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.
What is Stilton Cheese made of?
Stilton Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 9 to 12 weeks. It originates in England.
Which should I choose, Raclette du Valais Cheese or Stilton Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth, while Stilton Cheese is hard, blue-veined.