Munster

What Is Munster?

Munster is a washed-rind soft cow's milk cheese from France's Alsace and Vosges regions. It's known for its orangish-red rind and distinct smell.

Its rind carries a sharp smell because it's washed with brine while maturing; despite this, its interior is soft, creamy, and surprisingly mild-sweet. In the region it's traditionally eaten with caraway seeds.

Nutritional Values of Munster

Munster, like washed-rind soft cheeses, contains about 368 kcal of energy per 100 g, high fat and protein; it's a rich source of calcium. Values are approximate, based on a similar cheese profile.

What Are the Benefits of Munster?

With its protein and calcium content, munster can be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet; since its fat and calorie content is high, attention to portion size is recommended.

This information is general; munster is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Munster?

Good munster is a cheese with a moist-orangish rind, a cream-colored interior, and a slight softness. An overly strong ammonia smell indicates excessive ripening.

• The rind should be moist-orangish, not overly sticky
• The interior should be cream-colored and soft
• The smell should be distinct but not veering into ammonia

How Should Munster Be Stored?

Munster is stored wrapped in cheese paper in the refrigerator for 1–2 weeks; it's good to keep it in a separate container so its sharp smell doesn't spread. It's brought to room temperature before serving.

Using Munster in the Kitchen

Munster is used most often served on a cheese board with bread, potatoes, and caraway; it's also used melted in gratins, tarts, and hot sandwiches. Its sharp taste favors simple accompaniments.

Why Is Munster Served With Caraway?

Caraway's aromatic-slightly bitter taste balances and complements munster's sharp smell, which is why it has become a traditional pairing in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does munster smell sharp?

Because its rind is washed with brine while maturing, the cultures that develop on its surface give it a sharp smell; the interior, however, stays soft-mild.

Is munster's rind eaten?

Its rind is edible; but since it has a sharp smell, some prefer to trim it off.

Which cheese is munster similar to?

It belongs to the washed-rind soft cheese group; with its smell-taste contrast, it's close to taleggio and similar cheeses.