Muenster Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Muenster Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Muenster Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?"
- "Is Muenster Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese the same?"
- "How does Muenster Cheese compare to Raclette du Valais Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Muenster Cheese compare to Raclette du Valais Cheese?"
- "Is Muenster Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese better?"
Muenster Cheese Overview
Muenster is an American cheese derived from the Alsatian Munster cheese but milder in flavor. It has a smooth, soft texture and a bright orange rind, typically added to enhance its appearance. Muenster is excellent for melting over dishes like burgers and grilled cheese sandwiches.
Raclette du Valais Cheese Overview
Raclette du Valais is a type of Raclette from the Swiss canton of Valais. It is a PDO product, known for its exceptionally creamy texture and robust flavor that enhances when melted. This cheese is traditionally made using raw cow’s milk and enjoyed as part of the iconic raclette meal.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Muenster Cheese comes from United States. Raclette du Valais Cheese originated from Switzerland.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Muenster is not a protected cheese. Raclette du Valais Cheese has a GI (2011).
Milk Type and Treatment
Muenster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Raclette du Valais Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.
Composition and Texture
Muenster Cheese has a fat content of ~30-33% and a moisture content of ~40-45%. Muenster's texture can be described as "semi-soft". Raclette du Valais Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette du Valais's texture can be described as "semisoft, smooth".
Taste and Aroma
Muenster Cheese has a mild, buttery, slightly tangy taste. Muenster's aroma can be described as "mild, slightly milky". Raclette du Valais Cheese has a 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' taste.
Appearance and Aging
Muenster Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow interior, orange rind , is available in block, wheel, sliced and is aged typically 2-6 weeks . Raclette du Valais Cheese comes in wheel, specific to aoc standards, made in the canton of valais and has an aging period of minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker .
Rind and Rennet Type
Muenster Cheese's rind is described as edible, orange-tinted (from annatto) and uses microbial or vegetarian (varies by producer) rennet. Raclette du Valais Cheese's rind is described as washed , with animal rennet.
Ranking
Muenster is ranked #8 out of 996 types based on community views. Raclette du Valais is ranked #283 out of 996 types based on community views.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Muenster Cheese | Raclette du Valais Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | United States | Switzerland |
Specific Origin | Not Specified | Canton Of Valais |
Certification | Not Specified | GI (2011) |
Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk, Eringer breed |
Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
Fat Content | ~30-33% | Not Specified |
Moisture Content | ~40-45% | 36-44% |
Rind | Edible, Orange-Tinted (from annatto) | Washed |
Texture | Semi-Soft | Semisoft, smooth |
Taste | Mild, Buttery, Slightly Tangy | 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' |
Aroma | Mild, Slightly Milky | Not Specified |
Colors | Pale Yellow Interior, Orange Rind | Not Specified |
Forms | Block, Wheel, Sliced | Wheel, specific to AOC standards, made in the canton of Valais |
Age | Typically 2-6 weeks | Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker |
Rennet Type | Microbial or Vegetarian (varies by producer) | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a semi-soft cheese, go for Muenster. But if you enjoy a semisoft, smooth consistency, Raclette du Valais might be the better pick. Muenster has a mild, buttery, slightly tangy taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Raclette du Valais offers a 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' profile, ideal for different meals.