Munster Cheese
A soft, washed-rind cow's-milk cheese from France's Alsace-Vosges region with an orange rind and a very strong smell. Its interior is creamy and runny; the taste is milder than the aroma suggests.
What Is Munster Cheese?
Munster is a soft, washed-rind cow's milk cheese from the Vosges mountains between Alsace and Lorraine in France. As it matures, its rind is regularly wiped with brine (sometimes with a regional spirit); this process gives it an orange-reddish, sticky rind and a very strong smell.
Although its smell is sharp, its taste is milder, creamier, and richer than most people would expect; its interior becomes runny as it matures. It's traditionally served with caraway seeds or boiled potatoes. There are varieties made from both raw milk and pasteurized milk.
Nutritional Values of Munster
As a soft cheese, munster contains high protein and fat, plus calcium; it provides about 330 kcal of energy per 100 grams. Being cheese, it also has sodium; moderate consumption is recommended. Values are approximate.
How Should Munster Be Consumed?
Since munster is a rich cheese containing fat and sodium, it's consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. The raw-milk variety can be replaced with a pasteurized alternative for pregnant women and those with sensitive immunity; the label should be checked.
This information is general; munster is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.
How Is Munster Selected?
Good munster has a creamy-elastic interior, an orangeish and moist-lively rind, and a strong but pleasant-natural smell. Ones with an overly ammonia-sharp smell, a sunken interior, or a dried-cracked rind are not preferred.
- Interior should be creamy and elastic
- Rind should be orangeish-lively
- Smell should be strong but natural
How Is Munster Stored?
Munster is stored in the refrigerator, wrapped in cheese paper and preferably in a separate closed container; its strong smell can permeate other foods. Letting it come to room temperature a while before eating opens up its aroma and creamy texture.
Using Munster in the Kitchen
Munster is used most often on a cheese plate; also alongside boiled potatoes, in tartiflette-like gratins, and melting recipes. It melts nicely with heat, giving its intense aroma to the dish; it's also enjoyed warmed on bread.
Why Does Munster's Rind Smell?
The regular wiping of the rind with brine (washed rind) allows natural odor-producing bacteria to develop on the surface. This is characteristic of washed-rind cheeses like munster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is munster's taste as sharp as its smell?
Generally no; although its smell is very strong, its taste is milder, creamier, and richer for most people. Its taste also intensifies as it matures.
Is munster raw-milk?
There are both raw-milk and pasteurized-milk varieties. Pregnant women and sensitive individuals should prefer the pasteurized one and check the label.
How is munster served?
Traditionally with caraway seeds and boiled potatoes; also served with bread on a cheese plate. Its taste comes through best at room temperature.