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Camembert Cheese vs Munster Cheese
Camembert Cheese
Munster Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Camembert Cheese and Munster Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Camembert Cheese and Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Camembert Cheese and Munster Cheese the same?"
- "How does Camembert Cheese compare to Munster Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Camembert Cheese compare to Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Camembert Cheese or Munster 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.
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
Camembert 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. Camembert is not a protected cheese. Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969).
Milk Type and Treatment
Camembert Cheese is made with cow milk. Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Camembert's texture can be described as "soft, artisan". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".
Taste and Aroma
Camembert Cheese has a sweet taste. Camembert's aroma can be described as "buttery, rich". Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Camembert Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow . 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
Camembert Cheese's rind is described as bloomy . Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.
Ranking
Camembert is ranked #12 out of 996 types based on community views. Munster is ranked #47 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Camembert | Munster | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Beaujolais, Bordeaux, Burgundy Red, Gamay, Grüner Veltliner, Hard Cider, Viognier | German Riesling, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | Cabernet Franc, Cava, Champagne, Crackers, Fig Jam, Fruit Compote, Grapes, Kolsch, Merlot, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, White Burgundy | Belgian Blonde |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Camembert and Munster pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Camembert Cheese | Munster Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté |
| Certification | Not Specified | AOC (1969) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Not Specified | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | 45-48% |
| Rind | Bloomy | Washed, saltwater solution |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Semisoft |
| Taste | Sweet | Strong, gamey |
| Aroma | Buttery, rich | Gamey, aromatic |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Orangey-pink to orange-red |
| Forms | Not Specified | Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter |
| Age | Not Specified | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Traditional rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, artisan cheese, go for Camembert. But if you enjoy a semisoft consistency, Munster might be the better pick. Camembert has a sweet taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Munster offers a strong, gamey profile, ideal for different meals.
