Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Comté Cheese vs Munster Cheese
Comté Cheese
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
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 unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".
Taste and Aroma
Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic".
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 . 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
Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural . Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.
Ranking
Comté is ranked #77 out of 996 types based on community views. Munster is ranked #45 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Comté | Munster | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | White Burgundy | German Riesling, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | Belgian Blonde |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and Munster pages.
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 |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | 45-48% |
| Rind | Natural | Washed, saltwater solution |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | Semisoft |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | Strong, gamey |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Gamey, aromatic |
| Colors | Pale yellow | 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 | Not Specified | Traditional rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a semisoft consistency, Munster might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Munster offers a strong, gamey profile, ideal for different meals.
