Munster Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese
Munster Cheese is a semisoft cow-milk cheese from France, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
What Is Munster Cheese?
Munster, also called Munster-géromé, is a soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Vosges of eastern France. Brine washing during aging leaves it with a moist orange rind, a penetrating smell and a very strong taste.
What Is Old Ford Cheese?
Old Ford is an artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It has a semi-hard texture, making it a sturdy cheese with a satisfying bite. The flavor profile of Old Ford is a mix of buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, and savory notes, providing a refreshing yet rich taste experience. Its aroma carries barnyardy, floral, and goaty scents, adding to its rustic charm. The cheese is ivory in color, with a natural rind that adds character to its appearance. Suitable for cheese boards or paired with light wines, Old Ford is a versatile choice for various culinary applications.
What's the Difference Between Munster Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?
- Origin: Munster Cheese (France), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
- Milk type: Munster Cheese (cow's milk), Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk)
- Texture: Munster Cheese (Semisoft), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Rind: Munster Cheese (Washed, saltwater solution), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Munster Cheese (Strong, gamey), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Munster Cheese | Old Ford Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England, Great Britain And United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté | Timsbury, Somerset |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semisoft | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Washed, saltwater solution | Natural |
| Aging | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months | — |
| Taste | Strong, gamey | Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory |
Taste Comparison: Does Munster Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?
Munster Cheese reads as strong, gamey, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character. On the nose, Munster Cheese offers gamey, aromatic, contrasted with Old Ford Cheese's barnyardy, floral, goaty.
Can You Substitute Munster Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
Munster Cheese can stand in for Old Ford Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semisoft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, artisan. Flavor-wise, Munster Cheese reads as strong, gamey while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.
Which Is Better, Munster Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semisoft cheese, go with Munster Cheese. For a semi-hard, artisan profile, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Munster Cheese suits recipes that want strong, gamey notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Munster Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Munster Cheese originates in France, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Munster Cheese is made from cow milk; Old Ford Cheese uses goat.
Is Munster Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Munster Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Munster Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?
Munster Cheese reads as strong, gamey, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Munster Cheese leans gamey, aromatic, and Old Ford Cheese is closer to barnyardy, floral, goaty.
What is Munster Cheese made of?
Munster Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using traditional rennet. It's typically aged 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months. It originates in France.
What is Old Ford Cheese made of?
Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Munster Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Munster Cheese is semisoft, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.