Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Monterey Jack Cheese is mild to firm and made from cow milk, originating in United States.
What Is Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a full-fat soft blue-veined cheese made from unpasteurized Jersey cow’s milk in Devon and Somerset, England. It has a rich yellow color and a buttery texture, with an average fat content of 34%. The cheese has been handmade on Willet Farm since 1986, using traditional methods. It undergoes a maturation period of 3 to 6 weeks, during which it is regularly turned and treated with Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium candidum to develop its distinctive blue veining. The lush pasture of the region, influenced by the warm, wet climate and red sandstone soil, contributes to the rich flavor of the milk used in production.
What Is Monterey Jack Cheese?
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.
What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized), Monterey Jack Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Monterey Jack Cheese (Mild to firm)
- Aging: Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks), Monterey Jack Cheese (Six weeks to ten months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Monterey Jack Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | United States |
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | Monterey County, California |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Mild to firm |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | — |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | Six weeks to ten months |
| Taste | — | Mild to full-flavored |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Monterey Jack Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Exmoor Blue Cheese at 3 to 6 weeks develops a different profile than Monterey Jack Cheese at six weeks to ten months.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Monterey Jack Cheese?
In most recipes, Exmoor Blue Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for mild to firm.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Exmoor Blue Cheese. For a mild to firm profile, Monterey Jack Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Monterey Jack Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Exmoor Blue Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 weeks, Monterey Jack Cheese six weeks to ten months.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Monterey Jack Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Monterey Jack Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Monterey Jack Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Exmoor Blue Cheese made of?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 6 weeks.
What is Monterey Jack Cheese made of?
Monterey Jack Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged six weeks to ten months. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Monterey Jack Cheese is mild to firm.