Gamonedo Cheese vs Monte Enebro Cheese
Gamonedo Cheese is a harder and drier (del puertu), richer and creamier (del valle) cow, goat, and sheep-milk cheese from Spain, while Monte Enebro Cheese is smooth, dense and made from goat milk, originating in Spain.
What Is Gamonedo Cheese?
Gamonéu is a fatty, lightly smoked Spanish cheese made in parts of Asturias from a blend of cow, goat and sheep milk. It holds a Protected Designation of Origin and comes in two forms: del Puertu from the high passes and del Valle from the lower valleys.
What Is Monte Enebro Cheese?
Monte Enebro is an artisanal goat cheese from Avila, Spain, created by cheesemaker Rafael Baez and his daughter Paloma. It has a distinctive ash-covered rind with a creamy, slightly acidic interior that features strong, tangy blue mold flavors developing towards the center of the cheese. Monte Enebro is highly regarded for its complex flavor profile and creamy texture.
What's the Difference Between Gamonedo Cheese and Monte Enebro Cheese?
- Milk type: Gamonedo Cheese (Raw cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk, or any combination. Breeds: Friesian, Asturiana de los Valles, etc.), Monte Enebro Cheese (goat's milk)
- Milk treatment: Gamonedo Cheese (Raw), Monte Enebro Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Gamonedo Cheese (harder and drier (del Puertu), richer and creamier (del Valle)), Monte Enebro Cheese (Smooth, dense)
- Rind: Gamonedo Cheese (inedible, thin, natural), Monte Enebro Cheese (Charcoal-colored)
- Aging: Gamonedo Cheese (Minimum of sixty days up to five months), Monte Enebro Cheese (Matured for 30 days after spraying with Penicillium roqueforti)
- Taste: Gamonedo Cheese (Buttery, slightly nutty), Monte Enebro Cheese (Bold, goaty, tang, pleasing spice)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Gamonedo Cheese | Monte Enebro Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | Spain |
| Specific Origin | Asturian Region | Avila, Southwest Of Madrid |
| Milk Type | Raw cow’s, sheep’s, and goat’s milk, or any combination. Breeds: Friesian, Asturiana de los Valles, etc. | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Harder and drier (del Puertu), richer and creamier (del Valle) | Smooth, dense |
| Rind | Inedible, thin, natural | Charcoal-colored |
| Aging | Minimum of sixty days up to five months | Matured for 30 days after spraying with Penicillium roqueforti |
| Taste | Buttery, slightly nutty | Bold, goaty, tang, pleasing spice |
Taste Comparison: Does Gamonedo Cheese Taste Like Monte Enebro Cheese?
Gamonedo Cheese reads as buttery, slightly nutty, while Monte Enebro Cheese brings bold, goaty, tang, pleasing spice character. More specifically, Gamonedo Cheese shows hint of hazelnut, smokiness, and pungency, while Monte Enebro Cheese leans toward bold goaty aroma, distinct tang, and pleasing spice notes imparted by the penicillium roqueforti rind. Aging plays into this as well. Gamonedo Cheese at minimum of sixty days up to five months develops a different profile than Monte Enebro Cheese at matured for 30 days after spraying with penicillium roqueforti.
Can You Substitute Gamonedo Cheese for Monte Enebro Cheese?
Gamonedo Cheese can stand in for Monte Enebro Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect harder and drier (del puertu), richer and creamier (del valle) bite and body where the recipe calls for smooth, dense. Flavor-wise, Gamonedo Cheese reads as buttery, slightly nutty while Monte Enebro Cheese brings bold, goaty, tang, pleasing spice notes.
Which Is Better, Gamonedo Cheese or Monte Enebro Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a harder and drier (del puertu), richer and creamier (del valle) cheese, go with Gamonedo Cheese. For a smooth, dense profile, Monte Enebro Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Gamonedo Cheese suits recipes that want buttery, slightly nutty notes, while Monte Enebro Cheese fits dishes calling for bold, goaty, tang, pleasing spice.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gamonedo Cheese the same as Monte Enebro Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Gamonedo Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk; Monte Enebro Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Gamonedo Cheese is typically aged minimum of sixty days up to five months, Monte Enebro Cheese matured for 30 days after spraying with penicillium roqueforti.
Is Gamonedo Cheese similar to Monte Enebro Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Gamonedo Cheese for Monte Enebro Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Gamonedo Cheese taste like Monte Enebro Cheese?
Gamonedo Cheese reads as buttery, slightly nutty, while Monte Enebro Cheese is bold, goaty, tang, pleasing spice.
What is Gamonedo Cheese made of?
Gamonedo Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged minimum of sixty days up to five months. It originates in Spain.
What is Monte Enebro Cheese made of?
Monte Enebro Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged matured for 30 days after spraying with penicillium roqueforti. It originates in Spain.
Which should I choose, Gamonedo Cheese or Monte Enebro Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Gamonedo Cheese is harder and drier (del puertu), richer and creamier (del valle), while Monte Enebro Cheese is smooth, dense.