Munster Cheese vs Stilton Cheese

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

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

Stilton Cheese Overview

Stilton is one of the best-known British blue cheeses, traditionally made in two varieties: blue and white. Blue Stilton is creamy and crumbly with a distinctively sharp, rich flavor produced by the blue veins. White Stilton, less common, is the milder of the two and does not have the blue veining.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Munster is ranked #66 out of 375 types.

Stilton is ranked #24 out of 375 types.

Country of Origin

Munster Cheese comes from France. Stilton 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). Stilton Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Stilton 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".

Flavor and Aroma

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

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 .

Rind and Rennet Type

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

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Munster Cheese Stilton Cheese
Country of Origin France United Kingdom
Specific Origin Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire
Certification AOC (1969) PDO (1996)
Milk Type Cow's Cow’s milk
Milk Treatment Raw
Fat Content 45-48%
Rind Washed, saltwater solution
Texture Semisoft
Flavor Strong, gamey
Aroma Gamey, aromatic
Colors Orangey-pink to orange-red
Forms Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter
Age 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months
Rennet Type Traditional rennet

Compare Munster Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Stilton Cheese to Other Cheeses