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Munster Cheese vs Roquefort Cheese
Munster Cheese
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
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 unpasteurized. Roquefort Cheese is made with sheep milk that is typically unpasteurized.
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".
Taste and Aroma
Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic". Roquefort Cheese has a mild to strong taste. Roquefort's aroma can be described as "sweet".
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.
Ranking
Munster is ranked #48 out of 996 types based on community views. Roquefort is ranked #22 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Munster | Roquefort | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | German Riesling, Riesling | Bordeaux |
| Other Good Pairings | Belgian Blonde | Barleywine, Beaujolais, Madeira, Port |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Munster and Roquefort pages.
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 milk | Sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | 45-48% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Washed, saltwater solution | Not Specified |
| Texture | Semisoft | Moist, very creamy |
| Taste | Strong, gamey | Mild to strong |
| Aroma | Gamey, aromatic | Sweet |
| 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 |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a semisoft cheese, go for Munster. But if you enjoy a moist, very creamy consistency, Roquefort might be the better pick. Munster has a strong, gamey taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Roquefort offers a mild to strong profile, ideal for different meals.
