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Feta Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese
Feta Cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Feta Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Feta Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese the same?"
- "How does Feta Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Feta Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese better?"
Feta Cheese Overview
Feta is a brined curd white cheese from Greece, made traditionally from sheep's milk, or from a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly with a slightly grainy texture and has a salty, tangy flavor. Feta is commonly used in salads, pastries, and as a table cheese, and is central to Greek cuisine.
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
Country of Origin
Feta Cheese comes from Greece. 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. Feta Cheese has a PDO (2002). Monterey Jack is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine". Monterey Jack Cheese has a fat content of not less than 50% on a dry basis and a moisture content of high. Monterey Jack's texture can be described as "mild to firm".
Taste and Aroma
Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong". Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored taste. Monterey Jack's aroma can be described as "aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Feta Cheese's appearance is colored white , is available in blocks submerged in brine, barrels and is aged 2 months to longer . 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
Feta Cheese's rind is described as none . Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet.
Ranking
Feta is ranked #33 out of 996 types based on community views. Monterey Jack is ranked #17 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Feta | Monterey Jack | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Albariño, Asparagus, Avocado, Cod, Dirty Martini, Green Tea, Kiwi, Kolsch, Kombucha, Mangoes, Muscat, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pistachios, Pumpkin, Riesling, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Sauvignon Blanc, Seaweed, Shrimp, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes | Macaroni and Cheese, Pulled Pork, Tacos |
| Other Good Pairings | Beaujolais, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Chicken, Dried Cranberries, Fruit Compote, Gamay, German Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Tacos, Tequila, Tuna, Viognier | Clam Chowder, Pastrami |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Feta and Monterey Jack pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feta Cheese | Monterey Jack Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | Mexico And United States |
| Specific Origin | Throughout Greece | Monterey County, California |
| Certification | PDO (2002) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | Not less than 50% on a dry basis |
| Moisture Content | High | Not more than 44% |
| Rind | None | Not Specified |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Mild to firm |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | Mild to full-flavored |
| Aroma | Nutty, strong | Aromatic |
| Colors | White | Cream to golden |
| Forms | Blocks submerged in brine, barrels | Not Specified |
| Age | 2 months to longer | Six weeks to ten months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, white, aged in brine cheese, go for Feta. But if you enjoy a mild to firm consistency, Monterey Jack might be the better pick. Feta has a sharp to mild taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Monterey Jack offers a mild to full-flavored profile, ideal for different meals.
