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Monterey Jack Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese
Red Leicester Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Monterey Jack Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Monterey Jack Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese?"
- "Is Monterey Jack Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese the same?"
- "How does Monterey Jack Cheese compare to Red Leicester Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Monterey Jack Cheese compare to Red Leicester Cheese?"
- "Is Monterey Jack Cheese or Red Leicester 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.
Red Leicester Cheese Overview
Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Monterey Jack Cheese comes from Mexico and United States. Red Leicester Cheese originated from United Kingdom.
Milk Type and Treatment
Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.
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". Red Leicester Cheese has a fat content of high and a moisture content of not more than 44%. Red Leicester's texture can be described as "hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly".
Taste and Aroma
Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored taste. Monterey Jack's aroma can be described as "aromatic". Red Leicester Cheese has a caramel, sweet taste. Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild".
Appearance and Aging
Monterey Jack Cheese's appearance is colored cream to golden and is aged six weeks to ten months . Red Leicester Cheese has a color of reddish-orange , comes in traditional cylindrical, industrial block and has an aging period of 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial .
Rind and Rennet Type
Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet. Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) , with animal rennet.
Ranking
Monterey Jack is ranked #22 out of 996 types based on community views. Red Leicester is ranked #67 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Monterey Jack | Red Leicester | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Macaroni and Cheese, Pulled Pork, Tacos | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Clam Chowder, Pastrami | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Monterey Jack and Red Leicester pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Monterey Jack Cheese | Red Leicester Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Mexico And United States | United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Monterey County, California | Leicestershire |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others) |
| Fat Content | Not less than 50% on a dry basis | High |
| Moisture Content | Not more than 44% | Medium |
| Rind | Not Specified | Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial) |
| Texture | Mild to firm | Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly |
| Taste | Mild to full-flavored | Caramel, sweet |
| Aroma | Aromatic | Mild |
| Colors | Cream to golden | Reddish-orange |
| Forms | Not Specified | Traditional cylindrical, industrial block |
| Age | Six weeks to ten months | 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial |
| Rennet Type | Animal | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a mild to firm cheese, go for Monterey Jack. But if you enjoy a hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly consistency, Red Leicester might be the better pick. Monterey Jack has a mild to full-flavored taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Red Leicester offers a caramel, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.
