Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Muenster Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Muenster Cheese is semi-soft 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 Muenster Cheese?
Muenster is an American cheese derived from the Alsatian Munster cheese but milder in flavor. It has a smooth, soft texture and a bright orange rind, typically added to enhance its appearance. Muenster is excellent for melting over dishes like burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Muenster Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized), Muenster Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Muenster Cheese (Semi-Soft)
- Rind: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum), Muenster Cheese (Edible, Orange-Tinted (from annatto))
- Aging: Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks), Muenster Cheese (Typically 2-6 weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Muenster Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | United States |
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | — |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Semi-Soft |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | Edible, Orange-Tinted (from annatto) |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | Typically 2-6 weeks |
| Taste | — | Mild, Buttery, Slightly Tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Muenster 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 Muenster Cheese at typically 2-6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Muenster Cheese?
In most recipes, Exmoor Blue Cheese and Muenster 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 semi-soft.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Muenster 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 semi-soft profile, Muenster Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Muenster Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Exmoor Blue Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 weeks, Muenster Cheese typically 2-6 weeks.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Muenster Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Muenster Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Muenster 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 Muenster Cheese made of?
Muenster Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using microbial or vegetarian (varies by producer) rennet. It's typically aged typically 2-6 weeks. It originates in United States.
Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Muenster Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Muenster Cheese is semi-soft.