Patrick Oconnell
Munster cheese is made in several countries, including Germany, France, and the United States. The cheese was originally made by Benedictine monks in the Alsace region of France, near the Vosges Mountains and the German border. The name munster is derived from the word monastery. Today, authentic French Munster cheese is made from the milk of cows that graze in the Vosges Mountains, while the American version, spelled Muenster, is produced in Wisconsin and made from unpasteurized cow's milk.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Vosges Mountains in Alsace, France |
| Current production | Germany, France, United States |
| Original producers | Benedictine monks |
| Milk type | Cow's milk |
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What You'll Learn
Munster cheese is made in the Vosges Mountains in Alsace, France
The cheese is a mild, white cheese with a reddish-orange rind made from paprika. It is semi-firm in texture with a mild smell that gets stronger as it ages. Munster cheese is currently made in Germany, France and the United States. However, the American version is spelt 'Muenster' to distinguish it from the French Munster cheese, which is made from unpasteurised cow's milk.
The French town of Munster near the German border is famous for its Munster cheese. The tradition of making Munster cheese in this region has continued for centuries, becoming so intrinsic to the area that the EU has given it a protected designation of origin.
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It was originally made by Benedictine monks in the 7th century
Munster cheese is a mild, white cheese with a reddish-orange rind made from paprika. It is semi-firm in texture with a mild smell that gets stronger as it ages. It was originally made by Benedictine monks in the 7th century in the Vosges Mountains of France near the western border of Germany. The cheese was created to save milk and feed numerous people. The original name “munster” comes from the word monastery.
Today, Munster cheese is made in Germany, France and the United States. Authentic French Munster cheese is made from the milk of cows that graze in the Vosges mountains of eastern France. The spelling "Muenster" distinguishes the American cheese from Munster cheese, which is made from unpasteurized cow's milk in the Vosges mountains in Alsace.
It is believed that immigrants to America brought Munster cheese with them, and the Munster that developed in the US is quite different from the French version.
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It is also made in Wisconsin, USA
Munster cheese is made in Germany, France and the United States. The cheese was originally made by Benedictine monks who migrated to the Alsace region of France, near the Vosges Mountains and the German border.
In the US, Munster cheese is made in Wisconsin. It is believed that immigrants brought the cheese with them to the US, and the Wisconsin version is quite different from the French version. The spelling 'Muenster' is used to distinguish the American cheese from the French Munster cheese, which is made from unpasteurised cow's milk in the Vosges Mountains.
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It is made from unpasteurised cow's milk
Munster cheese is made from unpasteurised cow's milk in the Vosges mountains in Alsace, France. It was originally made by Benedictine monks who migrated to the region. The cheese was created to save milk and feed many people. The name 'munster' comes from the word 'monastery'.
Authentic French Munster cheese is made from the milk of cows that graze in the Vosges mountains of eastern France. Munster is a typical washed rind cheese that uses a regular brine wash to control unwanted mould and develop a rich flavour and ripening profile. The added moisture helps the development of bacteria that gives this cheese its particular taste and colour.
Muenster cheese is also made in the United States, where it is believed that immigrants brought the cheese with them. The American version is quite different from the French version.
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It is a mild, white cheese with a reddish-orange rind
Munster cheese is a mild, white cheese with a reddish-orange rind made from paprika. This can be eaten but is often cut off. It is semi-firm in texture with a mild smell that gets stronger as it ages. The cheese is currently made in Germany, France and the United States. It was originally made by Benedictine monks who migrated to the Alsace region of France. The cheese was created to save milk and feed numerous people. The original name “munster” comes from the word monastery. Authentic French Munster cheese is made from the milk of cows that graze in the Vosges mountains of eastern France.
The spelling "Muenster" distinguishes the American cheese from Munster cheese, which is made from unpasteurised cow's milk in the Vosges mountains in Alsace. Munster is similar to Brick but has less surface smear and undergoes less surface ripening. It is a typical washed rind cheese that uses a regular brine wash to control unwanted mould and develop a characteristic rich flavour and ripening profile. The added moisture helps the development of bacteria that gives this cheese its particular taste and colour.
Muenster cheese is not from Germany, even though they have a city called Münster. It is also not from the southern Irish province of Munster. It is believed that immigrants to America brought Munster cheese with them, and the Muenster that developed in the US is quite different from the French version. It is delicious in a baked potato. Simply cut the top open and grate some cheese in. Let it melt a little before eating. You could also add a little when making scalloped potatoes. The combination of cream, mild cheese, and well-cooked potato makes for a great side dish. Its slightly salty nature makes Muenster a good cheese to pop in a sandwich, as it adds both texture and seasoning.
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Frequently asked questions
Munster cheese is made in the Vosges Mountains of France, near the German border.
No, although there is a city in Germany called Münster, Munster cheese is not made there.
No, Munster cheese is not made in the southern Irish province of Munster.
Yes, Munster cheese is made in Wisconsin. It is believed that immigrants brought the cheese with them to the United States.
Yes, Munster cheese was first made by Benedictine monks in the 7th century. The tradition continued for centuries and became so intrinsic to the area that the EU has given it a protected designation of origin.
