Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese
Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese
Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese is a semi-soft, brined cow-milk cheese from France, while Monterey Jack Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
Buy Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese
Buy Monterey Jack Cheese
What Is Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese?
Cîteaux is a farmhouse cheese made by the monks of the Abbaye de Cîteaux in the Côte-d'Or and sold under that name since 1925. It is a small pressed wheel of about 720 grams, made from thermized milk of the abbey's own Montbéliarde cows.
What Is Monterey Jack Cheese?
Monterey Jack is a white, semi-hard cow's milk cheese from Monterey, California, with a mild and slightly sweet flavor. It melts cleanly, which is why it shows up in quesadillas, burritos, grilled cheese, and cheeseburgers.
What's the Difference Between Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese?
- Origin: Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese (France), Monterey Jack Cheese (United States)
- Milk treatment: Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese (thermized), Monterey Jack Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese (Semi-soft, brined), Monterey Jack Cheese (Semi-hard)
- Aging: Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese (three weeks), Monterey Jack Cheese (Six weeks to ten months)
- Taste: Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese (acidic, milky, smooth), Monterey Jack Cheese (Mild to full-flavored)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese | Monterey Jack Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | United States |
| Specific Origin | Burgundy | Monterey County, California |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Thermized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semi-soft, brined | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Washed | — |
| Aging | Three weeks | Six weeks to ten months |
| Taste | Acidic, milky, smooth | Mild to full-flavored |
Taste Comparison: Does Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese Taste Like Monterey Jack Cheese?
Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese reads as acidic, milky, smooth, while Monterey Jack Cheese brings mild to full-flavored character. On the nose, Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese offers barnyardy, earthy, contrasted with Monterey Jack Cheese's aromatic. Aging plays into this as well. Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese at three weeks develops a different profile than Monterey Jack Cheese at six weeks to ten months.
Can You Substitute Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese for Monterey Jack Cheese?
In most recipes, Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semi-soft, brined bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese reads as acidic, milky, smooth while Monterey Jack Cheese brings mild to full-flavored notes.
Which Is Better, Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, brined cheese, go with Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese. For a semi-hard profile, Monterey Jack Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese suits recipes that want acidic, milky, smooth notes, while Monterey Jack Cheese fits dishes calling for mild to full-flavored.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese the same as Monterey Jack Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese originates in France, while Monterey Jack Cheese comes from United States. Aging also differs: Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese is typically aged three weeks, Monterey Jack Cheese six weeks to ten months.
Is Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese similar to Monterey Jack Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese for Monterey Jack Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese taste like Monterey Jack Cheese?
Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese reads as acidic, milky, smooth, while Monterey Jack Cheese is mild to full-flavored. Aromas also diverge. Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese leans barnyardy, earthy, and Monterey Jack Cheese is closer to aromatic.
What is Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese made of?
Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese is made from cow milk (thermized). It's typically aged three weeks. It originates in France.
What is Monterey Jack Cheese made of?
Monterey Jack Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged six weeks to ten months. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Abbaye de Citeaux Cheese is semi-soft, brined, while Monterey Jack Cheese is semi-hard.