Cheese Database

Applewood vs Rauchkäse

Applewood

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
No rind
Country
United Kingdom

Applewood is a smoke-flavored cheddar from the United Kingdom. It is a brand made from cow's milk, and it is sold in rounds, blocks, slices, and grated packs. The cheese is not hung in wood smoke. Makers add a smoke flavoring, then coat the outside with paprika so the piece looks warm and amber. Inside, the paste is a dense cheddar with a smooth, smoky taste and a color lighter than the coat.

Rauchkäse

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-soft
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Germany

Rauchkäse is a semi-soft smoked cow's milk cheese from Germany. The name means smoke cheese, and the smoke is the defining step, not a single brand. A typical piece has a brown rind, a pale dense interior, and a savory smell of wood smoke. The paste is smooth and compact, and it softens readily when heated, with salt and a mild spice note under the smoke. It is sold in blocks and small wheels for both the table and the kitchen.