Munster Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Munster Cheese and Roquefort Cheese, including:

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

Roquefort Cheese Overview

Roquefort is a famous blue cheese from the south of France, made from sheep's milk. It is known for its strong, tangy flavor and moist, crumbly texture. The cheese is ripened in the natural Combalou caves of Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, where it develops its characteristic blue veins from the mold Penicillium roqueforti.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Munster is ranked #71 out of 376 types.

Roquefort is ranked #20 out of 376 types.

Country of Origin

Munster Cheese comes from France. Roquefort 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. Munster Cheese has a AOC (1969). Roquefort Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1925).

Milk Type and Treatment

Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Roquefort Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft". Roquefort's texture can be described as "moist, very creamy".

Flavor and Aroma

Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey flavor. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic". Roquefort Cheese has a mild to strong flavor.

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 . Roquefort Cheese has a color of blue-veined , comes in wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil and has an aging period of minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months .

Rind and Rennet Type

Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution and uses traditional rennet. Roquefort Cheese uses animal rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Munster Cheese Roquefort Cheese
Country of Origin France France
Specific Origin Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté Roquefort-sur-Soulzon, south of France
Certification AOC (1969) PDO (1996), AOC (1925)
Milk Type Cow's Sheep’s milk
Milk Treatment Raw Raw
Fat Content 45-48%
Rind Washed, saltwater solution
Texture Semisoft Moist, very creamy
Flavor Strong, gamey Mild to strong
Aroma Gamey, aromatic
Colors Orangey-pink to orange-red Blue-veined
Forms Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter Wheels, wrapped in impermeable foil
Age 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months Minimum of 90 days, average of 5 months
Rennet Type Traditional rennet Animal

Compare Munster Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Roquefort Cheese to Other Cheeses