American Cheese vs Mahón-Menorca Cheese

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

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

American Cheese Overview

A staple in American cuisine, this processed cheese is known for its excellent melting properties and smooth texture. American cheese is typically mild and creamy, designed to be versatile in dishes like burgers and grilled sandwiches. It's available in various colors and flavors, tailored to suit different tastes and recipes.

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

American Cheese comes from United States. 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. American is not a protected cheese. Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a PDO (1996), PDO (1985).

Milk Type and Treatment

American Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Mahón-Menorca Cheese is made with cow or sheep milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

American's texture can be described as "semi-soft, processed". Mahón-Menorca's texture can be described as "firm".

Taste and Aroma

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

Appearance and Aging

American 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

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

Ranking

American is ranked #103 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 American and Mahón-Menorca pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semi-soft, processed cheese, go for American. But if you enjoy a firm consistency, Mahón-Menorca might be the better pick.

Compare American Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Mahón-Menorca Cheese to Other Cheeses