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L'Etivaz Cheese vs Munster Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about L'Etivaz Cheese and Munster Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between L'Etivaz Cheese and Munster Cheese?"
- "Is L'Etivaz Cheese and Munster Cheese the same?"
- "How does L'Etivaz Cheese compare to Munster Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of L'Etivaz Cheese compare to Munster Cheese?"
- "Is L'Etivaz Cheese or Munster 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.
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
L'Etivaz Cheese comes from Switzerland. 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. L'Etivaz Cheese has a GI (2011). Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969).
Milk Type and Treatment
L'Etivaz Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized. Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
L'Etivaz's texture can be described as "hard". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".
Taste and Aroma
L'Etivaz's aroma can be described as "smokey". Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
L'Etivaz Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow . 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
Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.
Ranking
L'Etivaz is ranked #83 out of 996 types based on community views. Munster is ranked #50 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| L'Etivaz | Munster | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | German Riesling, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | Belgian Blonde |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the L'Etivaz and Munster pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| L'Etivaz Cheese | Munster Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Switzerland | France |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté |
| Certification | GI (2011) | AOC (1969) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | 45-48% |
| Rind | Not Specified | Washed, saltwater solution |
| Texture | Hard | Semisoft |
| Taste | Not Specified | Strong, gamey |
| Aroma | Smokey | Gamey, aromatic |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Orangey-pink to orange-red |
| Forms | Not Specified | Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter |
| Age | Not Specified | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Traditional rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a hard cheese, go for L'Etivaz. But if you enjoy a semisoft consistency, Munster might be the better pick.
