Raclette du Valais Cheese vs Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)
Raclette du Valais Cheese is a semisoft, smooth cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened and made from cow milk, originating in Australia.
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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Washed Rind Cheese from Australia is made using cow's milk and is known for its smear-ripened texture, which can range from soft to hard or semi-hard. The flavor profile of this cheese is a mix of nutty, sharp, and sweet notes, making it appealing to a variety of palates. Its aroma is quite strong and earthy, which is typical of washed rind cheeses. The washed rind technique contributes to its distinctive smell and flavor, as it encourages the growth of specific bacteria on the surface. This cheese can be a great addition to a cheese board, enjoyed on its own, or paired with fruits and bread.
What's the Difference Between Raclette du Valais Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
- Origin: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (Australia)
- Texture: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Semisoft, smooth), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened)
- Rind: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Washed), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (washed)
- Taste: Raclette du Valais Cheese ('Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'), Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) (nutty, sharp, sweet)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Raclette du Valais Cheese | Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | Australia |
| Specific Origin | Canton Of Valais | — |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk, Eringer breed | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | — |
| Texture | Semisoft, smooth | Soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened |
| Rind | Washed | Washed |
| Aging | Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker | — |
| Taste | 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' | Nutty, sharp, sweet |
Taste Comparison: Does Raclette du Valais Cheese Taste Like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Raclette du Valais Cheese reads as 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal', while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet character.
Can You Substitute Raclette du Valais Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
In most recipes, Raclette du Valais Cheese and Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) 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 soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened. Flavor-wise, Raclette du Valais Cheese reads as 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) brings nutty, sharp, sweet notes.
Which Is Better, Raclette du Valais Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
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 soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened profile, Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) 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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) fits dishes calling for nutty, sharp, sweet.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raclette du Valais Cheese the same as Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Raclette du Valais Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) comes from Australia.
Is Raclette du Valais Cheese similar to Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Raclette du Valais Cheese for Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Raclette du Valais Cheese taste like Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
Raclette du Valais Cheese reads as 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal', while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is nutty, sharp, sweet.
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 Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) made of?
Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is made from cow milk. It originates in Australia.
Which should I choose, Raclette du Valais Cheese or Washed Rind Cheese (Australian)?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth, while Washed Rind Cheese (Australian) is soft, hard, semi-hard, smear-ripened.