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Mozzarella Cheese vs Munster Cheese
Mozzarella Cheese
Munster Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Mozzarella Cheese and Munster Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Mozzarella Cheese and Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Mozzarella Cheese and Munster Cheese the same?"
- "How does Mozzarella Cheese compare to Munster Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Mozzarella Cheese compare to Munster Cheese?"
- "Is Mozzarella Cheese or Munster Cheese better?"
Mozzarella Cheese Overview
Mozzarella is a soft, white cheese originally from Southern Italy. Traditionally made from water buffalo milk (mozzarella di bufala), it's also commonly produced from cow's milk (fior di latte). Mozzarella is famous for its mild, milky flavor and stretchy texture, making it ideal for pizzas and caprese salads.
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
Country of Origin
Mozzarella Cheese comes from Italy. 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. Mozzarella is not a protected cheese. Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969).
Milk Type and Treatment
Mozzarella Cheese is made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically pasteurized. Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Mozzarella Cheese has a fat content of varies and a moisture content of high. Mozzarella's texture can be described as "soft, creamy". Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft".
Taste and Aroma
Mozzarella Cheese has a mild, milky taste. Mozzarella's aroma can be described as "mild". Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Mozzarella Cheese's appearance is colored white , is available in balls, blocks, shredded and is aged eaten fresh . 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
Mozzarella Cheese's rind is described as none and uses calf's or microbial rennet. Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution , with traditional rennet.
Ranking
Mozzarella is ranked #40 out of 996 types based on community views. Munster is ranked #45 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Mozzarella | Munster | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Avocado, Chicken, Green Tea, Olives, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Prosciutto, Sauvignon Blanc, Shrimp, Tomatoes, Tuna | German Riesling, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | Albariño, Asparagus, Asti Spumante, Bresaola, Clam Chowder, Cod, Ham, Kolsch, Macaroni and Cheese, Pastrami, Prosecco, Pulled Pork, Roasted Vegetables, Salami, Sangiovese, Seaweed, Turkey | Belgian Blonde |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Mozzarella and Munster pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Mozzarella Cheese | Munster Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Italy | France |
| Specific Origin | Not Specified | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté |
| Certification | Not Specified | AOC (1969) |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | Varies | 45-48% |
| Moisture Content | High | Not Specified |
| Rind | None | Washed, saltwater solution |
| Texture | Soft, creamy | Semisoft |
| Taste | Mild, milky | Strong, gamey |
| Aroma | Mild | Gamey, aromatic |
| Colors | White | Orangey-pink to orange-red |
| Forms | Balls, blocks, shredded | Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter |
| Age | Eaten fresh | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months |
| Rennet Type | Calf's or microbial rennet | Traditional rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, creamy cheese, go for Mozzarella. But if you enjoy a semisoft consistency, Munster might be the better pick. Mozzarella has a mild, milky taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Munster offers a strong, gamey profile, ideal for different meals.
