Monterey Jack | |
---|---|
Country of origin | United States |
Region | California |
Town | Monterey |
Source of milk | Cows |
Pasteurised | Yes |
Texture | Semihard, creamy |
Aging time | 1-6 months |
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Monterey Jack, sometimes shortened to Jack, is a Californian white, semi-hard cheese made using cow's milk, with a mild flavor and slight sweetness. It has been called "an American original" and "as a vestige of Spanish rule in the early nineteenth century, derives from a Franciscan monastic style of farmer's cheese."[1][2]
In addition to being eaten by itself, it is frequently marbled with Colby to produce Colby-Jack,[3] or with yellow cheddar to produce cheddar-Jack. Pepper Jack is a version flavored with chili peppers and herbs. Dry Jack is a harder cheese with a longer aging time.
Monterey Jack is a stirred curd Cheddar without any annatto coloring. It is sweeter than most and milder when young.