Munster Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese

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

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

Taleggio Cheese Overview

Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Munster is ranked #73 out of 376 types.

Taleggio is ranked #63 out of 376 types.

Country of Origin

Munster Cheese comes from France. Taleggio Cheese originated from Italy.

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). Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).

Milk Type and Treatment

Munster Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Taleggio Cheese is made with unknown milk that is typically heated.

Composition and Texture

Munster Cheese has a fat content of 45-48%. Munster's texture can be described as "semisoft". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".

Flavor and Aroma

Munster Cheese has a strong, gamey flavor. Munster's aroma can be described as "gamey, aromatic". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour flavor. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, 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 . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .

Rind and Rennet Type

Munster Cheese's rind is described as washed, saltwater solution and uses traditional rennet. Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Munster Cheese Taleggio Cheese
Country of Origin France Italy
Specific Origin Alsace, Lorraine, Franche-Comté Val Taleggio, Po Valley
Certification AOC (1969) PDO (1996)
Milk Type Cow's Whole raw or pasteurized milk
Milk Treatment Raw Heated to 90–95°F
Fat Content 45-48%
Rind Washed, saltwater solution Soft, thin, pinkish-red
Texture Semisoft Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center
Flavor Strong, gamey Sweet, delicate, slightly sour
Aroma Gamey, aromatic Herbaceous, aromatic
Colors Orangey-pink to orange-red Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside
Forms Flat wheel, 1-3 inches high, 5-8 inches diameter Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight
Age 4-6 weeks to 2-3 months At least 35 (up to 50) days
Rennet Type Traditional rennet Calf rennet

Compare Munster Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Taleggio Cheese to Other Cheeses