Monterey Jack Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

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

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

Taleggio Cheese Overview

Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Monterey Jack Cheese comes from Mexico and United States. Taleggio Cheese originated from Italy.

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. Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Monterey Jack Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.

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". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Taste and Aroma

Monterey Jack Cheese has a mild to full-flavored taste. Monterey Jack's aroma can be described as "aromatic". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".

Appearance and Aging

Monterey Jack Cheese's appearance is colored cream to golden and is aged six weeks to ten months . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Monterey Jack Cheese uses animal rennet. Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Ranking

Monterey Jack is ranked #21 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #55 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Monterey Jack and Taleggio pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a mild to firm cheese, go for Monterey Jack. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Monterey Jack has a mild to full-flavored taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Monterey Jack Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses