Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Feta Cheese vs Munster Cheese
Feta Cheese
Munster Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Feta Cheese and Munster Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Feta Cheese and Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese and Munster Cheese the same?"
- "How does Feta Cheese compare to Munster Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Feta Cheese compare to Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese or Munster 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.
Munster Cheese Overview
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.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Feta Cheese comes from Greece. Munster Cheese originated from France.
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). Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969).
Milk Type and Treatment
Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".
Taste and Aroma
Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong". Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, 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 . Munster Cheese has a color of orangey-pink to orange-red , comes in flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter and has an aging period of 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Feta Cheese's rind is described as none . Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.
Ranking
Feta is ranked #24 out of 996 types based on community views. Munster is ranked #45 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Feta | Munster | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | German Riesling, Riesling |
| 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 | Belgian Blonde |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Feta and Munster pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feta Cheese | Munster Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | France |
| Specific Origin | Throughout Greece | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté |
| Certification | PDO (2002) | AOC (1969) |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | 45-48% |
| Moisture Content | High | Not Specified |
| Rind | None | Washed, saltwater solution |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Semisoft |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | Strong, gamey |
| Aroma | Nutty, strong | Gamey, aromatic |
| Colors | White | Orangey-pink to orange-red |
| Forms | Blocks submerged in brine, barrels | Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter |
| Age | 2 months to longer | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Traditional rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, white, aged in brine cheese, go for Feta. But if you enjoy a semisoft consistency, Munster might be the better pick. Feta has a sharp to mild taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Munster offers a strong, gamey profile, ideal for different meals.
