Kamil Perry
Emmental cheese is a semi-hard Swiss cheese with a rich history and a unique taste and appearance. It is known for its characteristic holes, or eyes, and its mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavour. The flavour can vary depending on the age of the cheese, with younger Emmental having a milder taste and older varieties having a more robust, pronounced flavour. Emmental is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own, melted into dishes such as fondue, or paired with fruits, nuts, bread, cured meats, and wines.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Flavour | nutty, mild, slightly sweet, buttery, fruity |
| Texture | creamy, firm, smooth, elastic |
| Age | 2 to 18 months |
| Appearance | semi-hard, yellow, with holes |
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Food pairings | fruits (apples, pears, grapes), nuts (walnuts, almonds), crusty bread, cured meats, fondue, sandwiches, quiches, omelettes, spatzle, cheese sauces, cheese toppings, cheese plates |
| Drink pairings | Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay |
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What You'll Learn
Emmental cheese is nutty, slightly sweet, and mild
Emmental cheese is a semi-hard Swiss cheese with a rich history and a unique taste and appearance. It is known for its characteristic holes or "eyes". The flavour of Emmental cheese is nutty, slightly sweet, and mild. Younger Emmental has a milder taste, while older varieties have a more robust and pronounced flavour. The distinct nuttiness comes from the raw milk used in the cheese-making process. As the cheese ages, its flavour becomes more pronounced and develops a rich depth that lingers on the palate.
Emmental cheese is a delightful experience for cheese enthusiasts and pairs well with a variety of foods and beverages. It complements fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes, as well as nuts like walnuts and almonds. It also goes well with crusty bread, cured meats, and wines such as Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. Emmental is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own, melted into a fondue, or used in sandwiches, quiches, gratins, and cheese plates. It melts easily, making it perfect for cheese sauces and toppings.
Some people find the flavour of Emmental cheese off-putting, describing it as "creepy" when eaten by itself. However, many appreciate its mild, nutty, and slightly sweet taste, especially when melted into dishes. Emmental is commonly used in fondue and is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, omelettes, and quiches. It is also a good choice for those who prefer a milder cheese that doesn't overwhelm the palate.
The texture of Emmental cheese is smooth and firm, with a slightly elastic consistency. It has a creamy and somewhat firm texture that lends itself well to melting. The shelf life of Emmental varies depending on how it is stored. When stored properly in a cool, dry, and unopened package, it can last for several months. Once opened, it is best to consume it within a few weeks to ensure optimal taste and quality. To prolong its longevity, it is recommended to wrap it tightly in wax paper or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator.
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It's perfect for fondue, sandwiches, and quiches
Emmental cheese is a versatile ingredient that can elevate dishes such as fondue, sandwiches, and quiches. Its mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavour, along with its creamy and firm texture, makes it a perfect melting cheese for fondue. The distinctive nuttiness comes from the raw milk used in the cheese-making process. When used in fondue, Emmental adds depth and richness to the dish, complementing other ingredients seamlessly.
For sandwiches, Emmental adds a unique taste and texture. Its semi-hard consistency and smooth, elastic texture make it ideal for grilled cheese sandwiches, providing a delightful melt-in-your-mouth experience. The cheese's mild flavour also makes it a versatile sandwich filler, pairing well with ingredients like ham, pastrami, and cured meats.
Emmental is also a popular choice for quiches, adding a rich and nutty flavour. Its melting properties make it ideal for creating a silky and creamy texture, essential for quiches like the classic French Quiche Lorraine, which is flavoured with smoky bacon, shallots, and nutty Gruyère cheese. The mild flavour of Emmental ensures that it blends seamlessly with other ingredients without overwhelming the dish.
Additionally, Emmental's ability to melt easily makes it perfect for cheese sauces and toppings. Its mild, buttery, and slightly fruity notes can enhance the flavour of various dishes, from omelettes and gratins to cheese plates and snacks. The cheese's versatility and distinctive taste make it a popular choice for those seeking a unique yet approachable cheese experience.
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It pairs well with fruits, cured meats, and wines
Emmental cheese has a nutty, slightly sweet, and mild flavour with notes of hay. It is a semi-hard, yellow cheese with a creamy and somewhat firm texture. The flavour can vary depending on the age of the cheese, with younger Emmental having a milder taste and older varieties a more robust, pronounced flavour.
Emmental cheese pairs well with fruits, cured meats, and wines. For example, it goes well with apples, pears, and grapes, as well as walnuts and almonds. It is also a great complement to crusty bread and cured meats such as pastrami, salami, and ham.
When it comes to wine, Emmental pairs beautifully with a variety of options, including Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. It is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed as part of a cheese platter or melted into a classic fondue, making it a delightful choice for cheese lovers.
In terms of dishes, Emmental is commonly used in sandwiches, quiches, gratins, and cheese plates. It melts well, making it ideal for cheese sauces and toppings. It is also a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, omelettes, and French onion soup.
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Emmental is a semi-hard cheese with holes
The distinct nuttiness of Emmental comes from the raw milk used in the cheese-making process. As the cheese ages, its flavour becomes more pronounced and develops a rich depth. The texture of the cheese is smooth and firm, with a slightly elastic consistency. It is a popular choice for fondue due to its ability to melt easily, making it perfect for sauces and toppings. It is also commonly used in sandwiches, quiches, gratins, and on cheese plates.
Emmental is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of foods and beverages. It complements fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes, as well as nuts like walnuts and almonds. It also goes well with crusty bread, cured meats, and wines such as Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay. When it comes to storage, unopened Emmental cheese can last for several months if stored properly in a cool and dry place. Once opened, it is best to consume it within a few weeks to ensure optimal taste and quality.
While some enjoy Emmental as it is or on a cracker, others find that it has a peculiar flavour that is better suited to being melted into dishes. It is commonly used in grilled cheese sandwiches, omelettes, and quiches, and is a popular choice for French onion soup. In France, it is the standard cheese used on pizza and is often mixed with Gruyere in fondue. It is also used in Swiss fondue, where its ability to melt easily makes it a key ingredient.
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It's a popular Swiss cheese with worldwide recognition
Emmental cheese is a popular Swiss cheese that has gained worldwide recognition. It is a semi-hard, yellow cheese with holes, also known as "eyes", formed during the cheese-making process. Traditional Emmental cheese is made from unpasteurized milk, although some versions are made with pasteurized cow's milk, especially in the USA. It is a versatile cheese used in various dishes and is known for its unique taste and appearance.
The flavour of Emmental cheese is nutty, mild, and slightly sweet, with a creamy and firm texture. The taste can vary depending on the age of the cheese, with younger varieties being milder and older ones having a more robust and pronounced flavour. It is a common ingredient in fondue and is frequently used in sandwiches, quiches, gratins, and cheese plates. Emmental cheese melts easily, making it a popular choice for cheese sauces and toppings. It pairs well with fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes, as well as with nuts like walnuts and almonds.
The origin of Emmental cheese can be traced back to the town of Emmentaler, Switzerland, in the Emme valley in the Canton Bern. It is widely recognised and appreciated for its distinctive characteristics, making it a popular choice for cheese enthusiasts worldwide.
Emmental cheese is produced by different companies, with Entremont, a French company, being the world's largest producer. It is a common ingredient in Swiss and French cuisine, such as fondue and onion soup, and is also used in sandwiches, quiches, and other melted cheese dishes. It is known for its melting properties, making it a versatile ingredient in various recipes.
Emmental cheese's unique taste, texture, and appearance have contributed to its worldwide recognition. It is a popular choice for cheese lovers who enjoy its nutty, mild, and slightly sweet flavour. The cheese's versatility in various dishes and its melting properties make it a favourite ingredient for cooks and chefs worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Emmental cheese has a nutty, slightly sweet, and mild flavour with notes of hay. The flavour can vary depending on the age of the cheese, with younger Emmental having a milder taste and older varieties having a more robust, pronounced flavour.
Emmental cheese pairs well with fruits such as apples, pears, and grapes, as well as with nuts like walnuts and almonds. It also goes well with crusty bread, cured meats, and wines such as Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay.
Emmental cheese is commonly used in fondue, sandwiches, quiches, gratins, and cheese plates. It melts well, making it a popular choice for cheese sauces and toppings. In France, it is also a common pizza topping.
Traditional Emmental cheese is made from unpasteurized milk, while Emmental-alike versions are made from pasteurized cow's milk, especially in the USA. It is a semi-hard cheese with characteristic holes or "eyes".
