Mahón-Menorca Cheese vs Monterey Jack Cheese

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

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

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.

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

Mahón-Menorca Cheese comes from Spain. 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. Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a PDO (1996), PDO (1985). Monterey Jack is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Mahón-Menorca Cheese is made with cow or sheep milk that is typically raw. Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

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

Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a salty and spicy taste. Mahón-Menorca's aroma can be described as "lactic, buttery". Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored taste. Monterey Jack's aroma can be described as "aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Mahón-Menorca Cheese's appearance is colored ivory-yellow to orangey or brownish gray , is available in parallelepiped shape and is aged tender: 21-60 days, semi-cured: 2-5 months, vintage: >5 months . 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

Mahón-Menorca Cheese's rind is described as characteristic orangish and uses vegetable (cynara cardunculus) rennet. Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet.

Ranking

Mahón-Menorca is ranked #224 out of 996 types based on community views. Monterey Jack is ranked #22 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

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

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a firm cheese, go for Mahón-Menorca. But if you enjoy a mild to firm consistency, Monterey Jack might be the better pick. Mahón-Menorca has a salty and spicy taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Monterey Jack offers a mild to full-flavored profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Mahón-Menorca Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Monterey Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses