Monterey Jack Cheese vs Munster Cheese

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

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

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.

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

Ranking

Monterey Jack is ranked #22 out of 375 types.

Munster is ranked #66 out of 375 types.

Country of Origin

Monterey Jack Cheese comes from United States. 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. Monterey Jack is not a protected cheese. Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969).

Milk Type and Treatment

Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Monterey Jack Cheese has a fat content of not less than 50% on a dry basis and a moisture content of not more than 44%. Monterey Jack's texture can be described as "mild to firm". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".

Flavor and Aroma

Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored flavor. Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey flavor. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Monterey Jack Cheese's appearance is colored cream to golden and is aged six weeks to ten months . 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

Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet. Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Monterey Jack Cheese Munster Cheese
Country of Origin United States France
Specific Origin Monterey County, California Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté
Certification None AOC (1969)
Milk Type Pasteurized cow's milk Cow's
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Raw
Fat Content Not less than 50% on a dry basis 45-48%
Moisture Content Not more than 44%
Rind Washed, saltwater solution
Texture Mild to firm Semisoft
Flavor Mild to full-flavored Strong, gamey
Aroma Gamey, aromatic
Colors Cream to golden Orangey-pink to orange-red
Forms Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter
Age Six weeks to ten months 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months
Rennet Type Animal Traditional rennet

Compare Monterey Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Munster Cheese to Other Cheeses