, then select "Add to Home Screen" to get instant access.
Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Free Tools
Iberico Cheese vs Tête de Moine Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Iberico Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Iberico Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese?"
- "Is Iberico Cheese and Tête de Moine Cheese the same?"
- "How does Iberico Cheese compare to Tête de Moine Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Iberico Cheese compare to Tête de Moine Cheese?"
- "Is Iberico Cheese or Tête de Moine 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.
Tête de Moine Cheese Overview
Tête de Moine, meaning "monk’s head," is a Swiss cheese made from cow's milk. It is traditionally shaved into rosette-shaped slices using a girolle. The cheese has a firm texture and a rich, creamy flavor with a slightly tangy and nutty undertone, ideal for elegant cheese platters.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Iberico Cheese comes from Spain. Tête de Moine Cheese originated from Switzerland.
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. Tête de Moine Cheese has a GI (2011).
Milk Type and Treatment
Iberico Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Tête de Moine Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Iberico's texture can be described as "hard". Tête de Moine's texture can be described as "semi-hard".
Taste and Aroma
Iberico Cheese has a buttery, nutty, strong taste. Iberico's aroma can be described as "aromatic, rich". Tête de Moine Cheese has a nutty taste. Tête de Moine's aroma can be described as "rich".
Appearance and Aging
Iberico Cheese's appearance is colored white .
Rind and Rennet Type
Iberico Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Iberico is ranked #87 out of 996 types based on community views. Tête de Moine is ranked #45 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Iberico | Tête de Moine | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Vinho Verde | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Iberico and Tête de Moine pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Iberico Cheese | Tête de Moine Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Not Specified |
| Certification | Not Specified | GI (2011) |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Rind | Natural | Not Specified |
| Texture | Hard | Semi-hard |
| Taste | Buttery, nutty, strong | Nutty |
| Aroma | Aromatic, rich | Rich |
| Colors | White | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a hard cheese, go for Iberico. But if you enjoy a semi-hard consistency, Tête de Moine might be the better pick. Iberico has a buttery, nutty, strong taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Tête de Moine offers a nutty profile, ideal for different meals.
