Cheese Database

Mahón vs Manchego

Mahón

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Spain
Place
Menorca, Balearic Islands

Mahón is a pressed cow's milk cheese from Menorca, in the Balearic Islands of Spain. The piece is a square block with rounded edges and corners, a shape that comes from forming the curd, not from a round mould. The paste runs from ivory to a deeper yellow, and the rind moves from pale gold to orange-brown. Young cheese is supple, mild, and buttery. A longer rest makes the same cheese firmer, saltier, and more piquant.

Manchego, field guide plate
Manchego, photographed

Manchego

Facts

Milk
Sheep
Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Spain
Place
La Mancha
Status
PDO

Manchego is a pressed sheep's-milk cheese from La Mancha, and a protected name. The milk comes from Manchega sheep. The traditional rind shows a herringbone pattern from the old esparto molds.