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Comté Cheese vs Mahón-Menorca Cheese
Comté Cheese
Mahón-Menorca Cheese
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese the same?"
- "How does Comté Cheese compare to Mahón-Menorca Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Mahón-Menorca Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese or Mahón-Menorca 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.
Mahón-Menorca Cheese Overview
Mahón-Menorca is a cow's milk cheese from the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. It has a square shape with rounded edges and is known for its orange rind and soft to hard texture depending on age. The flavor is slightly salty and tangy, with buttery notes in younger cheeses and a sharper taste in older ones.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Ranking
Comté is ranked #76 out of 377 types.
Mahón-Menorca is ranked #221 out of 377 types.
Country of Origin
Comté Cheese comes from France. Mahón-Menorca Cheese originated from Spain.
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). Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a PDO (1985).
Milk Type and Treatment
Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Mahón-Menorca Cheese is made with cow or sheep milk that is typically raw.
Composition and Texture
Comté's texture can be described as "smooth". Mahón-Menorca's texture can be described as "firm".
Flavor and Aroma
Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted flavor. Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a salty and spicy flavor. Mahón-Menorca's aroma can be described as "lactic, buttery".
Appearance and Aging
Comté Cheese's appearance is available in wide, flat wheels and is aged 4 months to 3 years . Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a color of ivory-yellow to orangey or brownish gray , comes in parallelepiped shape and has an aging period of tender: 21-60 days, semi-cured: 2-5 months, vintage: >5 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Mahón-Menorca Cheese's rind is described as characteristic orangish , with vegetable (cynara cardunculus) rennet.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Comté Cheese | Mahón-Menorca Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Spain |
| Specific Origin | Massif du Jura | Menorca, Balearic Islands |
| Certification | PDO (1996), AOC (1958) | PDO (1985) |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Friesian, Menorcan, Brown Alpine cow’s milk, some ewe’s milk (max 5%) |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Raw or any authorized preservation technology |
| Rind | Characteristic orangish | |
| Texture | Smooth | Firm |
| Flavor | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | Salty and spicy |
| Aroma | Lactic, buttery | |
| Colors | Ivory-yellow to orangey or brownish gray | |
| Forms | Wide, flat wheels | Parallelepiped shape |
| Age | 4 months to 3 years | Tender: 21-60 days, Semi-cured: 2-5 months, Vintage: >5 months |
| Rennet Type | Vegetable (Cynara cardunculus) |
