Emmental

What is Emmental Cheese?

Emmental is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the area around Emmen, Switzerland. It is a popular Swiss cheese well-known for its characteristic holes or "eyes". Emmental cheese is made from unpasteurized or pasteurized cow's milk.

What Does Emmental Cheese Taste Like?

Emmental cheese has a mild, nutty, and slightly sweet flavour with a creamy and slightly firm texture. The flavour can vary depending on the age of the cheese, with the ageing period ranging from 2 to 18 months. Younger Emmental has a milder taste, while older varieties have a stronger, and more pronounced flavour.

Emmental cheese is a common ingredient in fondue and is frequently used in sandwiches, quiches, gratins, and cheese plates. It melts well, making it a popular choice for cheese sauces and toppings.

Various Emmental cheeses are produced in different regions. Different varieties of the cheese are registered as geographical indications, including:

Switzerland: Emmentaler AOC
Bavaria, Germany: Allgäuer Emmentaler PDO 
Savoie, France: Emmental de Savoie PGI 
Franche-Comté, France: Emmental français est-central PGI