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Mahón-Menorca Cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Mahón-Menorca Cheese
Raclette Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Mahón-Menorca Cheese and Raclette Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Mahón-Menorca Cheese and Raclette Cheese?"
- "Is Mahón-Menorca Cheese and Raclette Cheese the same?"
- "How does Mahón-Menorca Cheese compare to Raclette Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Mahón-Menorca Cheese compare to Raclette Cheese?"
- "Is Mahón-Menorca Cheese or Raclette 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.
Raclette Cheese Overview
Raclette is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, famous for melting beautifully. It is native to parts of Switzerland and France. The cheese is typically heated, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then scraped onto diners' plates; it's commonly served with small potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions, and dried meat.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Mahón-Menorca Cheese comes from Spain. Raclette 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. Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a PDO (1996), PDO (1985). Raclette Cheese has a .
Milk Type and Treatment
Mahón-Menorca Cheese is made with cow or sheep milk that is typically raw. Raclette Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.
Composition and Texture
Mahón-Menorca's texture can be described as "firm". Raclette Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette's texture can be described as "semisoft, smooth".
Taste and Aroma
Mahón-Menorca Cheese has a salty and spicy taste. Mahón-Menorca's aroma can be described as "lactic, buttery". Raclette Cheese has a mildly acidic taste.
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 . Raclette Cheese comes in wheel, 14-15 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches in height and weighing between 15 to 18 pounds and has an aging period of 3-4 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Mahón-Menorca Cheese's rind is described as characteristic orangish and uses vegetable (cynara cardunculus) rennet. Raclette Cheese's rind is described as washed , with animal rennet.
Ranking
Mahón-Menorca is ranked #216 out of 996 types based on community views. Raclette is ranked #63 out of 996 types based on community views.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Mahón-Menorca Cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Spain | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Menorca, Balearic Islands | Alpine Regions |
| Certification | PDO (1996), PDO (1985) | |
| Milk Type | Friesian, Menorcan, Brown Alpine cow’s milk, some ewe’s milk (max 5%) | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw or any authorized preservation technology | Raw |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | 36-44% |
| Rind | Characteristic orangish | Washed |
| Texture | Firm | Semisoft, smooth |
| Taste | Salty and spicy | Mildly acidic |
| Aroma | Lactic, buttery | Not Specified |
| Colors | Ivory-yellow to orangey or brownish gray | Not Specified |
| Forms | Parallelepiped shape | Wheel, 14-15 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches in height and weighing between 15 to 18 pounds |
| Age | Tender: 21-60 days, Semi-cured: 2-5 months, Vintage: >5 months | 3-4 months |
| Rennet Type | Vegetable (Cynara cardunculus) | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a firm cheese, go for Mahón-Menorca. But if you enjoy a semisoft, smooth consistency, Raclette might be the better pick. Mahón-Menorca has a salty and spicy taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Raclette offers a mildly acidic profile, ideal for different meals.
