Cheese Database

Graviera vs Gruyère

Graviera, field guide plate
Graviera, photographed

Graviera

Facts

Texture
Hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Greece

Graviera is a hard pressed cheese from Greece, sold in wheels with a natural rind. The name echoes Gruyère, and the two share a nutty, savory character in the kitchen. Makers in different parts of the country follow local recipes, so flavor and richness are not identical from wheel to wheel. A younger piece slices for the table. An older piece turns drier and better for grating over hot food.

Gruyère, field guide plate
Gruyère, photographed

Gruyère

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Switzerland
Place
Fribourg
Status
AOP

Gruyère is a hard cow's-milk cheese from western Switzerland, centered on the canton of Fribourg and a defined neighboring zone. A true Swiss Gruyère has few holes, or none.