, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Comté Cheese vs Maasdam Cheese
Comté Cheese
Maasdam Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Maasdam Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Maasdam Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese and Maasdam Cheese the same?"
- "How does Comté Cheese compare to Maasdam Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Maasdam Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese or Maasdam Cheese better?"
Comté Cheese Overview
Comté is a French cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. It is one of the most popular AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) cheeses, known for its complex flavors which can include hints of apricot, chocolate, butter, cream, hazelnuts, and toast. Comté is aged for a minimum of four months, with some wheels maturing for over a year to develop a deeper flavor profile.
Maasdam Cheese Overview
Maasdam cheese is the Dutch answer to Swiss cheeses, recognizable by its large holes and sweet, nutty flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a semi-soft texture. Maasdam matures faster than other holey cheeses like Emmental, developing its distinctive flavor and appearance in just a few weeks.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Comté Cheese comes from France. Maasdam Cheese originated from Netherlands.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Comté Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1958). Maasdam is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Maasdam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". Maasdam's texture can be described as "semi-hard".
Taste and Aroma
Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Maasdam Cheese has a nutty, sweet taste.
Appearance and Aging
Comté Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow , is available in wide, flat wheels and is aged 4 months to 3 years . Maasdam Cheese has a color of pale yellow .
Rind and Rennet Type
Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Comté is ranked #73 out of 996 types based on community views. Maasdam is ranked #36 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Comté | Maasdam | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | White Burgundy | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and Maasdam pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Comté Cheese | Maasdam Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Netherlands |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Jura | Not Specified |
| Certification | PDO (1996), AOC (1958) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Rind | Natural | Not Specified |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | Semi-hard |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | Nutty, sweet |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Pale yellow |
| Forms | Wide, flat wheels | Not Specified |
| Age | 4 months to 3 years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a semi-hard consistency, Maasdam might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Maasdam offers a nutty, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.
