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.

Compare Gorgonzola Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Monterey Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses

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