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

Ranking

Feta is ranked #27 out of 866 types based on community views.

Monterey Jack is ranked #25 out of 866 types based on community views.

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".

Flavor and Aroma

Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild flavor. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong". Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored flavor. 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.

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) None
Milk Type goat's and sheep's milk cow's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized, sometimes raw pasteurized
Fat Content Not less than 50% on a dry basis
Moisture Content High Not more than 44%
Rind None
Texture Soft, white, aged in brine Mild to firm
Flavor Sharp to mild Mild to full-flavored
Aroma nutty, strong aromatic
Colors White Cream to golden
Forms Blocks submerged in brine, barrels
Age 2 months to longer Six weeks to ten months
Rennet Type Animal

Compare Feta Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Monterey Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses

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