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Cheddar Cheese vs Tête de Moine Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Tête de Moine Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Tête de Moine Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Tête de Moine Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Tête de Moine Cheese better?"
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Tête de Moine Cheese Overview
Tête de Moine, meaning "monk’s head," is a Swiss cheese made from cow's milk. It is traditionally shaved into rosette-shaped slices using a girolle. The cheese has a firm texture and a rich, creamy flavor with a slightly tangy and nutty undertone, ideal for elegant cheese platters.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Tête de Moine Cheese originated from Switzerland.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Cheddar is not a protected cheese. Tête de Moine Cheese has a GI (2011).
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Tête de Moine Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Tête de Moine's texture can be described as "semi-hard".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Tête de Moine Cheese has a nutty taste. Tête de Moine's aroma can be described as "rich".
Appearance and Aging
Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) .
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Tête de Moine is ranked #45 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Tête de Moine | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Tête de Moine pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Tête de Moine Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Not Specified |
| Certification | Not Specified | GI (2011) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Not Specified |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semi-hard |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Nutty |
| Aroma | Varies | Rich |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Not Specified |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Not Specified |
| Age | A few months to several years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a semi-hard consistency, Tête de Moine might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Tête de Moine offers a nutty profile, ideal for different meals.
