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Blue Cheese vs Munster Cheese
Blue Cheese
Munster Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Blue Cheese and Munster Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Blue Cheese and Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Blue Cheese and Munster Cheese the same?"
- "How does Blue Cheese compare to Munster Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Blue Cheese compare to Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Blue Cheese or Munster Cheese better?"
Blue Cheese Overview
A type of cheese injected or inoculated with Penicillium mold to create blue or green veins, resulting in a tangy, sharp flavor and creamy or crumbly texture.
Munster Cheese Overview
Munster is a strong-smelling, soft cheese from the Alsace and Lorraine regions of France. It has a washed rind, which gives it a red-orange color and a distinctive pungent aroma. The flavor is rich and tangy, often enjoyed with cumin seeds and paired with beers or strong wines.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Blue Cheese comes from France. Munster Cheese originated from France.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Blue is not a protected cheese. Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969).
Milk Type and Treatment
Blue Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Blue Cheese has a fat content of around 25-35% and a moisture content of around 30-50%. Blue's texture can be described as "crumbly, creamy, semi-soft". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".
Taste and Aroma
Blue Cheese has a sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent taste. Blue's aroma can be described as "strong, pungent, earthy, funky". Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Blue Cheese's appearance is colored white to creamy yellow base with blue-green veining , is available in wheel, block, wedge, crumbles and is aged typically aged 2-6 months . Munster Cheese has a color of orangey-pink to orange-red , comes in flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter and has an aging period of 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Blue Cheese's rind is described as natural and uses traditional (animal rennet) or microbial (varies by producer) rennet. Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.
Ranking
Blue is ranked #3 out of 996 types based on community views. Munster is ranked #50 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Blue | Munster | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Amaro, Apricot, Asian Pear, Cabernet Sauvignon, Dirty Martini, Dried Figs, Fig Jam, German Riesling, Green Apple, Hard Cider, Honey, Honeycomb, IPA, Malbec, Muscat, Pear, Pecans, Port, Scotch, Steak | German Riesling, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | Almonds, Apples, Belgian Blonde, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, California Viogniers, Dried Cranberries, Grapes, Merlot, Mushrooms, Olives, Prosciutto, Roast Beef | Belgian Blonde |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Blue and Munster pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Blue Cheese | Munster Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté |
| Certification | Not Specified | AOC (1969) |
| Milk Type | Cow, Sheep, Goat | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | Around 25-35% | 45-48% |
| Moisture Content | Around 30-50% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Natural | Washed, saltwater solution |
| Texture | Crumbly, Creamy, Semi-Soft | Semisoft |
| Taste | Sharp, Tangy, Savory, Salty, Pungent | Strong, gamey |
| Aroma | Strong, Pungent, Earthy, Funky | Gamey, aromatic |
| Colors | White to Creamy Yellow base with Blue-Green Veining | Orangey-pink to orange-red |
| Forms | Wheel, Block, Wedge, Crumbles | Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter |
| Age | Typically aged 2-6 months | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months |
| Rennet Type | Traditional (animal rennet) or Microbial (varies by producer) | Traditional rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a crumbly, creamy, semi-soft cheese, go for Blue. But if you enjoy a semisoft consistency, Munster might be the better pick. Blue has a sharp, tangy, savory, salty, pungent taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Munster offers a strong, gamey profile, ideal for different meals.
