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Gorgonzola Cheese vs Munster Cheese
Gorgonzola Cheese
Munster Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Gorgonzola Cheese and Munster Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Gorgonzola Cheese and Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Gorgonzola Cheese and Munster Cheese the same?"
- "How does Gorgonzola Cheese compare to Munster Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Gorgonzola Cheese compare to Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Gorgonzola Cheese or Munster 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.
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
Gorgonzola Cheese comes from Italy. 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. Gorgonzola Cheese has a PDO (1996). Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969).
Milk Type and Treatment
Gorgonzola Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Gorgonzola Cheese has a fat content of 25-35%. Gorgonzola's texture can be described as "soft to crumbly". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".
Taste and Aroma
Gorgonzola Cheese has a sweet to savory taste. Gorgonzola's aroma can be described as "nutty". Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, 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 . 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
Gorgonzola Cheese's rind is described as none . Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.
Ranking
Gorgonzola is ranked #19 out of 996 types based on community views. Munster is ranked #49 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Gorgonzola | Munster | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Asti Spumante, Dried Fruit, Steak | German Riesling, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | Bresaola | Belgian Blonde |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Gorgonzola and Munster pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Gorgonzola Cheese | Munster Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Lombardy, Piedmont | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté |
| Certification | PDO (1996) | AOC (1969) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | 25-35% | 45-48% |
| Rind | None | Washed, saltwater solution |
| Texture | Soft to crumbly | Semisoft |
| Taste | Sweet to savory | Strong, gamey |
| Aroma | Nutty | Gamey, aromatic |
| Colors | Straw-white, blue-green veins | Orangey-pink to orange-red |
| Forms | 13 to 26 pounds | Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter |
| Age | 2 to 3 months | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Traditional rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft to crumbly cheese, go for Gorgonzola. But if you enjoy a semisoft consistency, Munster might be the better pick. Gorgonzola has a sweet to savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Munster offers a strong, gamey profile, ideal for different meals.
