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Munster Cheese vs Stilton Cheese
Munster Cheese
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
Country of Origin
Munster Cheese comes from France. Stilton Cheese originated from England.
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 unpasteurized. Stilton Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft". Stilton's texture can be described as "hard, blue-veined".
Taste and Aroma
Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey taste. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic". Stilton Cheese has a spicy, strong taste.
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 . Stilton Cheese has a color of blue-grey .
Rind and Rennet Type
Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution and uses traditional rennet. Stilton Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Munster is ranked #45 out of 996 types based on community views. Stilton is ranked #25 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Munster | Stilton | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | German Riesling, Riesling | Barleywine, Madeira |
| Other Good Pairings | Belgian Blonde | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Munster and Stilton pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Munster Cheese | Stilton Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | England |
| Specific Origin | Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté | Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire |
| Certification | AOC (1969) | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | 45-48% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Washed, saltwater solution | Natural |
| Texture | Semisoft | Hard, blue-veined |
| Taste | Strong, gamey | Spicy, strong |
| Aroma | Gamey, aromatic | Not Specified |
| Colors | Orangey-pink to orange-red | Blue-grey |
| 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 hard, blue-veined consistency, Stilton might be the better pick. Munster has a strong, gamey taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Stilton offers a spicy, strong profile, ideal for different meals.
