Camembert Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese

Camembert Cheese

Monterey Jack Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Camembert Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Camembert Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese?"
  • "Is Camembert Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Camembert Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Camembert Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese?"
  • "Is Camembert Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese better?"

Camembert Cheese Overview

Camembert is a famous French cheese with a soft, creamy interior and a bloomy rind. It's made from cow's milk and has a rich, buttery flavor with earthy undertones. True Camembert from Normandy has a slightly more intense flavor compared to other varieties and becomes runnier as it ages.

Monterey Jack Cheese Overview

Monterey Jack is a popular American cheese originating from Monterey, California. It's known for its mild flavor and semi-soft texture, making it an excellent melting cheese. Monterey Jack can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes, particularly Mexican and American cuisines, such as quesadillas and burgers.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Camembert Cheese comes from France. Monterey Jack Cheese originated from Mexico and United States.

Milk Type and Treatment

Camembert Cheese is made with cow milk. Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Camembert's texture can be described as "soft, artisan". Monterey Jack Cheese has a fat content of not less than 50% on a dry basis and a moisture content of none. Monterey Jack's texture can be described as "mild to firm".

Taste and Aroma

Camembert Cheese has a sweet taste. Camembert's aroma can be described as "buttery, rich". Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored taste. Monterey Jack's aroma can be described as "aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Camembert Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow . Monterey Jack Cheese has a color of cream to golden and has an aging period of six weeks to ten months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Camembert Cheese's rind is described as bloomy . Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Camembert is ranked #11 out of 996 types based on community views. Monterey Jack is ranked #23 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Camembert Monterey Jack
Best Pairings Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Gamay, Grüner Veltliner, Hard Cider, Viognier Macaroni and Cheese, Pulled Pork, Tacos
Other Good Pairings Cabernet Franc, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Fig Jam, Fruit Compote, Grapes, Kolsch, Merlot, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, White Burgundy Clam Chowder, Pastrami

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Camembert and Monterey Jack pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Camembert Cheese Monterey Jack Cheese
Country of Origin France Mexico And United States
Specific Origin Not Specified Monterey County, California
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Not Specified Pasteurized
Fat Content Not Specified Not less than 50% on a dry basis
Moisture Content Not Specified Not more than 44%
Rind Bloomy Not Specified
Texture Soft, artisan Mild to firm
Taste Sweet Mild to full-flavored
Aroma Buttery, rich Aromatic
Colors Pale yellow Cream to golden
Age Not Specified Six weeks to ten months
Rennet Type Not Specified Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a soft, artisan cheese, go for Camembert. But if you enjoy a mild to firm consistency, Monterey Jack might be the better pick. Camembert has a sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Monterey Jack offers a mild to full-flavored profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Camembert Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Monterey Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses

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