Époisses Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese

Époisses Cheese

Monterey Jack Cheese

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

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

Époisses Cheese Overview

Époisses is a strongly flavored, washed-rind cheese from Burgundy, made from cow's milk. It is known for its creamy texture and rich, intense flavor with hints of barnyard and bacon. The rind is washed with Marc de Bourgogne brandy during maturation, contributing to its characteristic strong smell and deep orange color. Époisses is typically eaten with crusty bread or used to add depth to sauces.

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

Époisses is ranked #28 out of 866 types based on community views.

Monterey Jack is ranked #25 out of 866 types based on community views.

Country of Origin

Époisses Cheese comes from France. Monterey Jack Cheese originated from Mexico and 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. Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991). Monterey Jack is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

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

Composition and Texture

Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy". 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

Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced flavor. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth". Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored flavor. Monterey Jack's aroma can be described as "aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Époisses Cheese's appearance is colored orange ivory to brick red , is available in small and large sizes and is aged minimum of 28 days . 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

Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind . Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Époisses Cheese Monterey Jack Cheese
Country of Origin France Mexico And United States
Specific Origin Auxois And Terre Plaine, Burgundy Monterey County, California
Certification PDO (1996), AOC (1991) None
Milk Type Cow's Milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment None Pasteurized
Fat Content None Not less than 50% on a dry basis
Moisture Content None Not more than 44%
Rind Washed-rind None
Texture Soft and creamy Mild to firm
Flavor Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced Mild to full-flavored
Aroma Undergrowth Aromatic
Colors Orange ivory to brick red Cream to golden
Forms Small and large sizes None
Age Minimum of 28 days Six weeks to ten months
Rennet Type None Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a soft and creamy cheese, go for Époisses. But if you enjoy a mild to firm consistency, Monterey Jack might be the better pick. Époisses has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced flavor, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Monterey Jack offers a mild to full-flavored profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Époisses Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Monterey Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses

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