Emmenthal

Cheese with holes

Emmenthal is a Swiss cheese known for its distinctive large holes and mild, slightly nutty flavor.

The holes form from gas bubbles produced during fermentation.

Also spelled Emmental.

The cheese originated in the Emme valley region of Switzerland and serves as the model for what Americans often call "Swiss cheese": a ham and Emmenthal sandwich.

Swiss

Switzerland

Alpine republic, perpetually neutral

  • AlpsEuropean mountain system
  • BernSwiss federal city
  • GruyèreProtected Swiss alpine cheese

alpine · chalet · fondue · raclette · cows · pastures · dairy farming · mountain · Swiss cheese · traditional

eyes

holes

Openings through material

carbon dioxide · irregular · large · signature · distinctive · characteristic · porous · openings · texture · formation

cheese

Gruyère

Protected Swiss alpine cheese

  • curdsCoagulated milk solids
  • wheyLiquid from curdled dairy
  • rennetMilk-curdling enzyme complex

cave-aged · fromagerie · dairy · raw milk · pasteurized · casein · lactose · rind · wheel · wedge

melting

fondue

Shared melted dipping dish

oozy · creamy · gratin · topping · bubbling · golden · sandwich · croque-monsieur · burger · melt

flavor

mild

Moderate in intensity

fruity · savory · mellow · delicate · subtle · smooth · earthy · grassy · complex · balanced

Opposites
cheese texture and appearance

Emmenthalblue cheese

Veined, tangy cultured dairy

Gorgonzola · Stilton · Camembert · cream cheese · mascarpone

cheese flavor intensity

EmmenthalLimburger

Aromatic soft cheese

Gorgonzola · Munster · blue cheese · stinky cheese · extra sharp cheddar

cheese texture and density

Emmenthalhard cheese

Aged, firm dairy product

processed cheese · cream cheese

Family

Emmental

Familiarity
Top 1,000,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G