Iberico Cheese vs Mahón-Menorca Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Iberico Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Iberico Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese?"
• "Is Iberico Cheese and Mahón-Menorca Cheese the same?"
• "How does Iberico Cheese compare to Mahón-Menorca Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Iberico Cheese compare to Mahón-Menorca Cheese?"
• "Is Iberico Cheese or Mahón-Menorca Cheese better?"

Iberico Cheese Overview

Queso Iberico is a hard cheese from Spain made using a blend of cow's, goat's, and sheep's milk. It can be crafted from either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk, contributing to its rich and aromatic profile. This cheese has a buttery and nutty flavor with a strong taste that captures the essence of its mixed milk origins. The cheese is typically white in color and features a natural rind. Known also as Iberico Cheese, it offers a satisfying density and a complex taste that pairs well with a variety of foods. Its rich aroma and firm texture make it a popular choice for cheese lovers seeking a traditional Spanish flavor.

Mahón-Menorca Cheese Overview

Mahón-Menorca is a cow's milk cheese from the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands. It has a square shape with rounded edges and is known for its orange rind and soft to hard texture depending on age. The flavor is slightly salty and tangy, with buttery notes in younger cheeses and a sharper taste in older ones.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Iberico Cheese comes from Spain. Mahón-Menorca Cheese originated from Spain.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Iberico is not a protected cheese. Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a PDO (1996), PDO (1985).

Milk Type and Treatment

Iberico Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Mahón-Menorca Cheese is made with cow or sheep milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Iberico's texture can be described as "hard". Mahón-Menorca's texture can be described as "firm".

Taste and Aroma

Iberico Cheese has a buttery, nutty, strong taste. Iberico's aroma can be described as "aromatic, rich". Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a salty and spicy taste. Mahón-Menorca's aroma can be described as "lactic, buttery".

Appearance and Aging

Iberico Cheese's appearance is colored white . Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a color of ivory-yellow to orangey or brownish gray , comes in parallelepiped shape and has an aging period of tender: 21-60 days, semi-cured: 2-5 months, vintage: >5 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Iberico Cheese's rind is described as natural . Mahón-Menorca Cheese's rind is described as characteristic orangish , with vegetable (cynara cardunculus) rennet.

Ranking

Iberico is ranked #85 out of 996 types based on community views. Mahón-Menorca is ranked #222 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Iberico and Mahón-Menorca pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Iberico. But if you enjoy a firm consistency, Mahón-Menorca might be the better pick. Iberico has a buttery, nutty, strong taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Mahón-Menorca offers a salty and spicy profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Iberico Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Mahón-Menorca Cheese to Other Cheeses