Halloumi Cheese vs Munster Cheese
In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Halloumi Cheese and Munster Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Halloumi Cheese and Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Halloumi Cheese and Munster Cheese the same?"
- "How does Halloumi Cheese compare to Munster Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Halloumi Cheese compare to Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Halloumi Cheese or Munster Cheese better?"
Halloumi Cheese Overview
Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also cow’s milk. Renowned for its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried to a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It has a salty flavor and is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.
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
Ranking
Halloumi is ranked #132 out of 376 types.
Munster is ranked #70 out of 376 types.
Country of Origin
Halloumi Cheese comes from Cyprus. 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. Halloumi Cheese has a PDO (2014). Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969).
Milk Type and Treatment
Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk. Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.
Composition and Texture
Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".
Flavor and Aroma
Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty flavor. Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey flavor. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Halloumi Cheese's appearance is colored white to light yellow and is aged 40 days . 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
Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind and uses animal rennet. Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Halloumi Cheese | Munster Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Cyprus | France |
Specific Origin | Cyprus | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté |
Certification | PDO (2014) | AOC (1969) |
Milk Type | Sheep’s milk, Goat’s milk, Cow’s milk (Cow’s milk not alone in Cyprus) | Cow's |
Milk Treatment | Raw | |
Fat Content | 45-48% | |
Rind | No rind | Washed, saltwater solution |
Texture | Semihard | Semisoft |
Flavor | Mild, salty | Strong, gamey |
Aroma | Gamey, aromatic | |
Colors | White to light yellow | Orangey-pink to orange-red |
Forms | Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter | |
Age | 40 days | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months |
Rennet Type | Animal | Traditional rennet |