Emmental Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese

Emmental Cheese

Monterey Jack Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Emmental Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Emmental Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese?"
  • "Is Emmental Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Emmental Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Emmental Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese?"
  • "Is Emmental Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese better?"

Emmental Cheese Overview

Emmental is a classic Swiss cheese, known for its large holes and nutty, mild flavor. It is made from cow's milk and has a hard, dense texture. The holes, or "eyes," develop during the fermentation process as a result of gas released by the bacteria in the cheese. Emmental is often used in sandwiches and is a key ingredient in traditional Swiss fondue.

Monterey Jack Cheese Overview

Monterey Jack is a popular American cheese originating from Monterey, California. It's known for its mild flavor and semi-soft texture, making it an excellent melting cheese. Monterey Jack can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes, particularly Mexican and American cuisines, such as quesadillas and burgers.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Emmental is ranked #26 out of 375 types.

Monterey Jack is ranked #22 out of 375 types.

Country of Origin

Emmental Cheese comes from Switzerland. Monterey Jack Cheese originated from United States.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Emmental Cheese has a PDO (2004). Monterey Jack is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Emmental Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Emmental Cheese has a fat content of minimum of 45% (dry matter). Emmental's texture can be described as "hard or medium-hard". Monterey Jack Cheese has a fat content of not less than 50% on a dry basis and a moisture content of none. Monterey Jack's texture can be described as "mild to firm".

Flavor and Aroma

Emmental Cheese has a nutty, sweet flavor. Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored flavor.

Appearance and Aging

Emmental Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in round loaves and is aged 4 months to over 1 year . Monterey Jack Cheese has a color of cream to golden and has an aging period of six weeks to ten months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Emmental Cheese Monterey Jack Cheese
Country of Origin Switzerland United States
Specific Origin Emmental, Canton of Bern Monterey County, California
Certification PDO (2004) None
Milk Type Raw Cow's Milk Pasteurized cow's milk
Milk Treatment Raw Pasteurized
Fat Content Minimum of 45% (dry matter) Not less than 50% on a dry basis
Moisture Content Not more than 44%
Texture Hard or medium-hard Mild to firm
Flavor Nutty, sweet Mild to full-flavored
Colors Yellow Cream to golden
Forms Round loaves
Age 4 months to over 1 year Six weeks to ten months
Rennet Type Animal

Compare Emmental Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Monterey Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses