Gorgonzola Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese
Gorgonzola Cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Gorgonzola Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Gorgonzola Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese?"
- "Is Gorgonzola Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese the same?"
- "How does Gorgonzola Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Gorgonzola Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese?"
- "Is Gorgonzola Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese better?"
Gorgonzola Cheese Overview
Gorgonzola is one of the world's oldest blue-veined cheeses, produced in Northern Italy. It's rich and creamy with a sharp, piquant flavor that varies depending on its age. Gorgonzola can be spicy (Piccante) or sweet (Dolce), with the latter being softer and less aged.
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
Gorgonzola Cheese comes from Italy. 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. Gorgonzola Cheese has a PDO (1996). Monterey Jack is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Gorgonzola Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Gorgonzola Cheese has a fat content of 25-35%. Gorgonzola's texture can be described as "soft to crumbly". Monterey Jack Cheese has a fat content of not less than 50% on a dry basis and a moisture content of none. Monterey Jack's texture can be described as "mild to firm".
Taste and Aroma
Gorgonzola Cheese has a sweet to savory taste. Gorgonzola's aroma can be described as "nutty". Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored taste. Monterey Jack's aroma can be described as "aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Gorgonzola Cheese's appearance is colored straw-white, blue-green veins , is available in 13 to 26 pounds and is aged 2 to 3 months . 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
Gorgonzola Cheese's rind is described as none . Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet.
Ranking
Gorgonzola is ranked #19 out of 996 types based on community views. Monterey Jack is ranked #23 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
Gorgonzola | Monterey Jack | |
---|---|---|
Best Pairings | Asti Spumante, Dried Fruit, Steak | Macaroni and Cheese, Pulled Pork, Tacos |
Other Good Pairings | Bresaola | Clam Chowder, Pastrami |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Gorgonzola and Monterey Jack pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Gorgonzola Cheese | Monterey Jack Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Italy | Mexico And United States |
Specific Origin | Lombardy, Piedmont | Monterey County, California |
Certification | PDO (1996) | Not Specified |
Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
Fat Content | 25-35% | Not less than 50% on a dry basis |
Moisture Content | Not Specified | Not more than 44% |
Rind | None | Not Specified |
Texture | Soft to crumbly | Mild to firm |
Taste | Sweet to savory | Mild to full-flavored |
Aroma | Nutty | Aromatic |
Colors | Straw-white, blue-green veins | Cream to golden |
Forms | 13 to 26 pounds | Not Specified |
Age | 2 to 3 months | Six weeks to ten months |
Rennet Type | Not Specified | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft to crumbly cheese, go for Gorgonzola. But if you enjoy a mild to firm consistency, Monterey Jack might be the better pick. Gorgonzola has a sweet to savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Monterey Jack offers a mild to full-flavored profile, ideal for different meals.