Raclette du Valais Cheese vs Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese
Raclette du Valais Cheese is a semisoft, smooth cow-milk cheese from Switzerland, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Vacherin Mont d'Or is a soft, seasonal cow's milk cheese from the Jura region of Switzerland and France. It is bound in a strip of spruce bark, sold in a round spruce box, and often warmed in that box and eaten like fondue.
What's the Difference Between Raclette du Valais Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Raw), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (thermized (Swiss), raw (French))
- Texture: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Semisoft, smooth), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (soft)
- Rind: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Washed), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (washed rind)
- Aging: Raclette du Valais Cheese (Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker), Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese (at least 2 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Raclette du Valais Cheese | Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Canton Of Valais | Jura Region, Switzerland And France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk, Eringer breed | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Thermized (Swiss), raw (French) |
| Texture | Semisoft, smooth | Soft |
| Rind | Washed | Washed rind |
| Aging | Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker | At least 2 weeks |
| Taste | 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Raclette du Valais Cheese Taste Like Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. 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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at at least 2 weeks.
Can You Substitute Raclette du Valais Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
In most recipes, Raclette du Valais Cheese and Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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.
Which Is Better, Raclette du Valais Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or 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 soft profile, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is the better fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Raclette du Valais Cheese the same as Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Raclette du Valais Cheese is typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker, Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese at least 2 weeks.
Is Raclette du Valais Cheese similar to Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Raclette du Valais Cheese for Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Raclette du Valais Cheese taste like Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese made of?
Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is made from cow milk (thermized (swiss), raw (french)). It's typically aged at least 2 weeks. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Raclette du Valais Cheese or Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Raclette du Valais Cheese is semisoft, smooth, while Vacherin Mont-d'Or Cheese is soft.