Munster Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Munster Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese, including:

• "What is the difference between Munster Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese?"
• "Is Munster Cheese and Red Leicester Cheese the same?"
• "How does Munster Cheese compare to Red Leicester Cheese cheese?"
• "How does the taste of Munster Cheese compare to Red Leicester Cheese?"
• "Is Munster Cheese or Red Leicester 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.

Red Leicester Cheese Overview

Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Munster Cheese comes from France. Red Leicester Cheese originated from United Kingdom.

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). Red Leicester is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically unpasteurized. Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft". Red Leicester Cheese has a fat content of high and a moisture content of none. Red Leicester's texture can be described as "hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly".

Taste and Aroma

Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic". Red Leicester Cheese has a caramel, sweet taste. Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild".

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 . Red Leicester Cheese has a color of reddish-orange , comes in traditional cylindrical, industrial block and has an aging period of 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial .

Rind and Rennet Type

Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution and uses traditional rennet. Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Munster is ranked #45 out of 996 types based on community views. Red Leicester is ranked #69 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Munster and Red Leicester pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semisoft cheese, go for Munster. But if you enjoy a hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly consistency, Red Leicester might be the better pick. Munster has a strong, gamey taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Red Leicester offers a caramel, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Munster Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Red Leicester Cheese to Other Cheeses