Comté Cheese vs Munster Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Munster Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Munster Cheese?"
  • "Is Comté Cheese and Munster Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Comté Cheese compare to Munster Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Munster Cheese?"
  • "Is Comté Cheese or Munster 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.

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

Ranking

Comté is ranked #98 out of 376 types.

Munster is ranked #73 out of 376 types.

Country of Origin

Comté 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. Comté Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1958). Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969).

Milk Type and Treatment

Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Comté's texture can be described as "smooth". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".

Flavor and Aroma

Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted flavor. Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey flavor. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Comté Cheese's appearance is available in wide, flat wheels and is aged 4 months to 3 years . 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

Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Comté Cheese Munster Cheese
Country of Origin France France
Specific Origin Massif du Jura Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté
Certification PDO (1996), AOC (1958) AOC (1969)
Milk Type Cow's Milk Cow's
Milk Treatment Raw Raw
Fat Content 45-48%
Rind Washed, saltwater solution
Texture Smooth Semisoft
Flavor Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted Strong, gamey
Aroma Gamey, aromatic
Colors Orangey-pink to orange-red
Forms Wide, flat wheels Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter
Age 4 months to 3 years 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months
Rennet Type Traditional rennet

Compare Comté Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Munster Cheese to Other Cheeses