Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Munster Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Munster Cheese is semisoft and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Munster Cheese?
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.
What's the Difference Between Exmoor Blue Cheese and Munster Cheese?
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Munster Cheese (Semisoft)
- Rind: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum), Munster Cheese (Washed, saltwater solution)
- Aging: Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks), Munster Cheese (4-6 weeks to 2-3 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Munster Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | France |
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Semisoft |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | Washed, saltwater solution |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months |
| Taste | — | Strong, gamey |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Munster 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 Munster Cheese at 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Munster Cheese?
In most recipes, Exmoor Blue Cheese and Munster 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 semisoft.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Munster 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 semisoft profile, Munster Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Munster Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Exmoor Blue Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 weeks, Munster Cheese 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Munster Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Munster Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Munster 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 Munster Cheese made of?
Munster Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using traditional rennet. It's typically aged 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Munster Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Munster Cheese is semisoft.