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Monterey Jack Cheese vs Stilton Cheese
Monterey Jack Cheese
Stilton Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Monterey Jack Cheese and Stilton Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Monterey Jack Cheese and Stilton Cheese?"
- "Is Monterey Jack Cheese and Stilton Cheese the same?"
- "How does Monterey Jack Cheese compare to Stilton Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Monterey Jack Cheese compare to Stilton Cheese?"
- "Is Monterey Jack Cheese or Stilton 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.
Stilton Cheese Overview
Stilton is one of the best-known British blue cheeses, traditionally made in two varieties: blue and white. Blue Stilton is creamy and crumbly with a distinctively sharp, rich flavor produced by the blue veins. White Stilton, less common, is the milder of the two and does not have the blue veining.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Monterey Jack Cheese comes from Mexico and United States. Stilton Cheese originated from England.
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. Stilton Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Stilton Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
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". Stilton's texture can be described as "hard, blue-veined".
Taste and Aroma
Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored taste. Monterey Jack's aroma can be described as "aromatic". Stilton Cheese has a spicy, strong taste.
Appearance and Aging
Monterey Jack Cheese's appearance is colored cream to golden and is aged six weeks to ten months . Stilton Cheese has a color of blue-grey .
Rind and Rennet Type
Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet. Stilton Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Monterey Jack is ranked #17 out of 996 types based on community views. Stilton is ranked #29 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Monterey Jack | Stilton | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Macaroni and Cheese, Pulled Pork, Tacos | Barleywine, Madeira |
| Other Good Pairings | Clam Chowder, Pastrami | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Monterey Jack and Stilton pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Monterey Jack Cheese | Stilton Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Mexico And United States | England |
| Specific Origin | Monterey County, California | Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire |
| Certification | Not Specified | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not less than 50% on a dry basis | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | Not more than 44% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Not Specified | Natural |
| Texture | Mild to firm | Hard, blue-veined |
| Taste | Mild to full-flavored | Spicy, strong |
| Aroma | Aromatic | Not Specified |
| Colors | Cream to golden | Blue-grey |
| Age | Six weeks to ten months | Not Specified |
| Rennet Type | Animal | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a mild to firm cheese, go for Monterey Jack. But if you enjoy a hard, blue-veined consistency, Stilton might be the better pick. Monterey Jack has a mild to full-flavored taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Stilton offers a spicy, strong profile, ideal for different meals.
