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Époisses Cheese vs Munster Cheese
Époisses Cheese
Munster Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Époisses Cheese and Munster Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Époisses Cheese and Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Époisses Cheese and Munster Cheese the same?"
- "How does Époisses Cheese compare to Munster Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Époisses Cheese compare to Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Époisses Cheese or Munster 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.
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
Époisses 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. Époisses Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1991). Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969).
Milk Type and Treatment
Époisses Cheese is made with cow milk. Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Époisses's texture can be described as "soft and creamy". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".
Taste and Aroma
Époisses Cheese has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste. Époisses's aroma can be described as "undergrowth". Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, 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 . 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
Époisses Cheese's rind is described as washed-rind . Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.
Ranking
Époisses is ranked #30 out of 996 types based on community views. Munster is ranked #45 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Époisses | Munster | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Burgundy Red | German Riesling, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | Belgian Blonde |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Époisses and Munster pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Époisses Cheese | Munster Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | France |
| Specific Origin | Auxois And Terre Plaine, Burgundy | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté |
| Certification | PDO (1996), AOC (1991) | AOC (1969) |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Not Specified | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | 45-48% |
| Rind | Washed-rind | Washed, saltwater solution |
| Texture | Soft and creamy | Semisoft |
| Taste | Subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced | Strong, gamey |
| Aroma | Undergrowth | Gamey, aromatic |
| Colors | Orange ivory to brick red | Orangey-pink to orange-red |
| Forms | Small and large sizes | Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter |
| Age | Minimum of 28 days | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Traditional rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft and creamy cheese, go for Époisses. But if you enjoy a semisoft consistency, Munster might be the better pick. Époisses has a subtle, fruity, distinctive, balanced taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Munster offers a strong, gamey profile, ideal for different meals.
