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Munster Cheese vs Provolone Cheese
Munster Cheese
Provolone Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Munster Cheese and Provolone Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Munster Cheese and Provolone Cheese?"
- "Is Munster Cheese and Provolone Cheese the same?"
- "How does Munster Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Munster Cheese compare to Provolone Cheese?"
- "Is Munster Cheese or Provolone Cheese better?"
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.
Provolone Cheese Overview
Provolone is a well-known Italian cheese with a smooth, firm texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavor that becomes sharper and more robust with age. Made from cow's milk, this stretched-curd cheese can be aged from a few months to a year or more. Provolone is excellent for slicing, grating, or melting.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Munster Cheese comes from France. Provolone 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. Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969). Provolone is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized. Provolone Cheese is made with cow milk.
Composition and Texture
Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft". Provolone's texture can be described as "semi-hard, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic". Provolone Cheese has a tangy taste. Provolone's aroma can be described as "pleasant".
Appearance and Aging
Munster Cheese's appearance is colored orangey-pink to orange-red , is available in flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter and is aged 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months . Provolone Cheese has a color of pale yellow .
Rind and Rennet Type
Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution and uses traditional rennet.
Ranking
Munster is ranked #50 out of 996 types based on community views. Provolone is ranked #4 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Munster | Provolone | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | German Riesling, Riesling | Pastrami, Salami |
| Other Good Pairings | Belgian Blonde | Chorizo, Grilled Cheese, Ham, Pinot Grigio, Pulled Pork, Roast Beef, Steak, Tomatoes, Tuna, Turkey |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Munster and Provolone pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Munster Cheese | Provolone Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Italy |
| Specific Origin | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté | Not Specified |
| Certification | AOC (1969) | Not Specified |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Not Specified |
| Fat Content | 45-48% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Washed, saltwater solution | Not Specified |
| Texture | Semisoft | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Taste | Strong, gamey | Tangy |
| Aroma | Gamey, aromatic | Pleasant |
| Colors | Orangey-pink to orange-red | Pale yellow |
| Forms | Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter | Not Specified |
| Age | 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months | Not Specified |
| Rennet Type | Traditional rennet | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a semisoft cheese, go for Munster. But if you enjoy a semi-hard, artisan consistency, Provolone might be the better pick. Munster has a strong, gamey taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Provolone offers a tangy profile, ideal for different meals.
