Raclette du Valais Cheese vs Swiss Cheese

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

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

Swiss Cheese Overview

Swiss cheese in the United States refers to a group of cheeses that resemble the Emmental cheese from Switzerland, known for their medium-hard texture and distinctive holes or "eyes." American Swiss cheese is mild, nutty, and sweet, with a smooth, creamy texture, making it popular for sandwiches and burgers.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Raclette du Valais Cheese comes from Switzerland. Swiss Cheese originated from United States.

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). Swiss is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Raclette du Valais Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Swiss Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

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". Swiss Cheese has a fat content of ~28-32% and a moisture content of 36-44%. Swiss's texture can be described as "semi-firm".

Taste and Aroma

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

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 . Swiss Cheese has a color of pale yellow , comes in block, sliced, shredded and has an aging period of typically 1-3 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

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

Ranking

Raclette du Valais is ranked #277 out of 996 types based on community views. Swiss is ranked #78 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

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

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semisoft, smooth cheese, go for Raclette du Valais. But if you enjoy a semi-firm consistency, Swiss 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, Swiss offers a mild, nutty, slightly sweet profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Raclette du Valais Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Swiss Cheese to Other Cheeses