Aged Gouda Cheese vs Mahón-Menorca Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Aged Gouda Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Aged Gouda Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese?"
• "Is Aged Gouda Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese the same?"
• "How does Aged Gouda Cheese compare to Mahón-Menorca Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Aged Gouda Cheese compare to Mahón-Menorca Cheese?"
• "Is Aged Gouda Cheese or Mahón-Menorca Cheese better?"

Aged Gouda Cheese Overview

Aged Gouda is a hard cheese from the Netherlands, known for its rich aroma and firm texture. It can be made from cow's, goat's, or sheep's milk and may be pasteurized or unpasteurized. The cheese has a yellow color and is typically covered with a waxed rind. As it ages, Gouda develops a deeper, caramel-like flavor with hints of nuttiness and a slight crunch from protein crystals. This makes it a popular choice for snacking or serving on cheese platters. Its rich taste pairs well with robust red wines or dark beers. Often referred to as Oud Gouda, this cheese is a staple in both local and international markets.

Mahón-Menorca Cheese Overview

Mahón-Menorca is a cow's milk cheese from the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. It has a square shape with rounded edges and is known for its orange rind and soft to hard texture depending on age. The flavor is slightly salty and tangy, with buttery notes in younger cheeses and a sharper taste in older ones.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Aged Gouda Cheese comes from Netherlands. Mahón-Menorca Cheese originated from Spain.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Aged Gouda is not a protected cheese. Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a PDO (1996), PDO (1985).

Milk Type and Treatment

Aged Gouda Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Mahón-Menorca Cheese is made with cow or sheep milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Aged Gouda's texture can be described as "hard". Mahón-Menorca's texture can be described as "firm".

Taste and Aroma

Aged Gouda's aroma can be described as "rich". Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a salty and spicy taste. Mahón-Menorca's aroma can be described as "lactic, buttery".

Appearance and Aging

Aged Gouda Cheese's appearance is colored yellow . Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a color of ivory-yellow to orangey or brownish gray , comes in parallelepiped shape and has an aging period of tender: 21-60 days, semi-cured: 2-5 months, vintage: >5 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Aged Gouda Cheese's rind is described as waxed . Mahón-Menorca Cheese's rind is described as characteristic orangish , with vegetable (cynara cardunculus) rennet.

Ranking

Aged Gouda is ranked #77 out of 996 types based on community views. Mahón-Menorca is ranked #223 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Aged Gouda and Mahón-Menorca pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Aged Gouda. But if you enjoy a firm consistency, Mahón-Menorca might be the better pick.

Compare Aged Gouda Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Mahón-Menorca Cheese to Other Cheeses