L'Etivaz Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about L'Etivaz Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between L'Etivaz Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese?"
  • "Is L'Etivaz Cheese and Monterey Jack Cheese the same?"
  • "How does L'Etivaz Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of L'Etivaz Cheese compare to Monterey Jack Cheese?"
  • "Is L'Etivaz Cheese or Monterey Jack Cheese better?"

L'Etivaz Cheese Overview

L'Etivaz is a hard Alpine cheese from the Vaud region of Switzerland, similar to Gruyère but made in a more artisanal fashion. It is produced only from May to October, using milk from cows grazing on mountain pastures. The cheese has a complex flavor, with fruity, nutty notes and a hint of smokiness, developed during the traditional wood-fired production process.

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

L'Etivaz Cheese comes from Switzerland. 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. L'Etivaz Cheese has a GI (2011). Monterey Jack is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

L'Etivaz Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized. Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

L'Etivaz's texture can be described as "hard". 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

L'Etivaz's aroma can be described as "smokey". Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored taste. Monterey Jack's aroma can be described as "aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

L'Etivaz Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow . 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

Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet.

Ranking

L'Etivaz is ranked #83 out of 996 types based on community views. Monterey Jack is ranked #23 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

L'Etivaz Monterey Jack
Best Pairings No pairings listed. Macaroni and Cheese, Pulled Pork, Tacos
Other Good Pairings No additional pairings listed. Clam Chowder, Pastrami

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the L'Etivaz and Monterey Jack pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

L'Etivaz Cheese Monterey Jack Cheese
Country of Origin Switzerland Mexico And United States
Specific Origin Not Specified Monterey County, California
Certification GI (2011) Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Unpasteurized Pasteurized
Fat Content Not Specified Not less than 50% on a dry basis
Moisture Content Not Specified Not more than 44%
Texture Hard Mild to firm
Taste Not Specified Mild to full-flavored
Aroma Smokey Aromatic
Colors Pale yellow Cream to golden
Age Not Specified Six weeks to ten months
Rennet Type Not Specified Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a hard cheese, go for L'Etivaz. But if you enjoy a mild to firm consistency, Monterey Jack might be the better pick.

Compare L'Etivaz Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Monterey Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses

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