Raclette Cheese vs Soumaintrain Cheese
Raclette Cheese is a semisoft, smooth cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Soumaintrain Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Is Soumaintrain Cheese?
Soumaintrain is a soft washed-rind cow's milk cheese from Burgundy, made with raw or pasteurized milk. Brine washing every few days builds an orange rind and a very pronounced flavor.
What's the Difference Between Raclette Cheese and Soumaintrain Cheese?
- Origin: Raclette Cheese (Switzerland), Soumaintrain Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Raclette Cheese (Raw), Soumaintrain Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Raclette Cheese (Semisoft, smooth), Soumaintrain Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Raclette Cheese (Washed), Soumaintrain Cheese (washed)
- Aging: Raclette Cheese (3-4 months), Soumaintrain Cheese (at least 21 days)
- Taste: Raclette Cheese (Mildly acidic), Soumaintrain Cheese (creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Raclette Cheese | Soumaintrain Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | France |
| Specific Origin | Alpine Regions | Burgundy (Côte-D'Or And Yonne) And Aube, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semisoft, smooth | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Washed | Washed |
| Aging | 3-4 months | At least 21 days |
| Taste | Mildly acidic | Creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Raclette Cheese Taste Like Soumaintrain Cheese?
Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic, while Soumaintrain Cheese brings creamy character. More specifically, Raclette Cheese shows 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal', while Soumaintrain Cheese leans toward characteristic and very pronounced. Aging plays into this as well. Raclette Cheese at 3-4 months develops a different profile than Soumaintrain Cheese at at least 21 days.
Can You Substitute Raclette Cheese for Soumaintrain Cheese?
In most recipes, Raclette Cheese and Soumaintrain 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 soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic while Soumaintrain Cheese brings creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Raclette Cheese or Soumaintrain 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 Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Soumaintrain Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Raclette Cheese suits recipes that want mildly acidic notes, while Soumaintrain Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raclette Cheese the same as Soumaintrain Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Raclette Cheese originates in Switzerland, while Soumaintrain Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Raclette Cheese is typically aged 3-4 months, Soumaintrain Cheese at least 21 days.
Is Raclette Cheese similar to Soumaintrain Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Raclette Cheese for Soumaintrain Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Raclette Cheese taste like Soumaintrain Cheese?
Raclette Cheese reads as mildly acidic, while Soumaintrain Cheese is creamy.
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.
What is Soumaintrain Cheese made of?
Soumaintrain Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least 21 days. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Raclette Cheese or Soumaintrain Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Raclette Cheese is semisoft, smooth, while Soumaintrain Cheese is soft, artisan.