What is the difference between Emmental and Swiss cheese?
Elijah King
Updated on April 02, 2026
What is the difference between Emmental and Swiss cheese?
Emmental is a semi-hard, yellow cheese. American Swiss is more pale and shiny.
How is Emmental cheese made?
They’re created by a reaction in the bacteria. After one month of storage, a strain of bacteria, Propionibacterium shermanii, consumes lactic acid and releases carbon dioxide. These bubbles become trapped in the cheese rind and form holes (also known as eyes).
Is Emmental a French cheese?
Emmental supports your bones, muscles and eyesight. This Emmental is a French version of the Swiss cheese which takes its name from the valley (“Tal”) of the river Emme in the canton of Bern. Its production can be traced back to the 13th century. It is a medium, hard cheese with a mild savoury flavour.
Is Emmental cheese natural?
Based on the original Swiss cheese from the 1400s it remains a global favorite today. Made with fresh milk from our Arla farmers – Arla Emmental is a natural source of calcium and protein.
What does Emmentaler cheese taste like?
Aromatic, sweet and delightfully intricate in flavor, Emmentaler is a semi-hard cheese often identified by interspersed cherry-sized holes. Boasting tones of ripe fruit and hazelnuts, it has no traces of acidity, and features an even rind with a firm and dense body.
What’s a good substitute for Emmental cheese?
If you don’t have Emmenthal you can substitute equal amounts of:
- Gruyere which has a more pronounced nutty flavor.
- OR – Jarlsberg another good Swiss cheese.
- OR – French Comte which tastes very similar to Gruyere.
Where did the origin of Emmental cheese come from?
Emmental (Emmentaler or Emmenthal) is a yellow, medium-hard Swiss cheese that originated in the area around Emmental, Canton Bern.
How big is a wheel of Emmental cheese?
Emmental cheese originated in the Emme Valley of Switzerland. Only cheese produced in the region of Bern, Switzerland can be labeled as Emmental. Wheels of Emmental cheese can weigh more than 200 pounds. Emmental is a mild cheese that melts well in quiches and other baked items.
How is Emmenthal cheese different from other cheeses?
Emmenthal is distinguished by large walnut-sized holes or “eyes” formed during the fermentation process. It ranges from mild and buttery to fruity and full-flavored, depending on its maturity. It has good melting properties and is a traditional ingredient in cheese fondue. What Is Emmenthal Cheese?
Where can you find Emmentaler cheese in USA?
The denomination “Emmentaler Switzerland” is protected; however, the term “Emmentaler” is not. Accordingly, one can find Emmentaler cheese from France, Bavaria, Finland…and, of course, the United States.
What cheese can be substituted for Emmenthaler cheese?
Substitutes for Emmental Cheese Gruyere. A very smooth and melting type of Swiss cheese is the Gruyere. Fontina. Fontina, an incredibly rich and creamy cheese that has a sweet and pungent flavor. Jarlsberg. Jarlsberg is a mild, semi-soft cheese made from cow’s milk. French Comte. Raclette.
What is Emmental cheese used for?
Emmental cheese, rich in both holes and flavor, is ideal for serving rolled or cubed for snacks or sliced in sandwiches. Emmental, which is also called Swiss cheese, may also be melted in sandwiches or used in fondues and souffles.
Where to buy Emmental cheese?
Where To Buy. Emmi cheeses can be found in your grocer’s deli case and in fine cheese shops throughout the U.S. This map locates our pre-packaged cheeses. If you’re looking for cheeses that are cut and wrapped at your deli counter or local cheese shop, contact us to get help locating your favorites.
What is Emmentaler cheese substitute?
Fontina cheese can be used as a substitute for Emmental cheese . Emmental cheese and olives may be served as appealing appetizers.