Monterey Jack

Monterey Jack is an American semihard cheese made using cow's milk. It is commonly sold by itself, or mixed with Colby to make a marbled cheese known as Colby-Jack (or Co-Jack). Cheddar-Jack varieties are also available. In its earliest form, Monterey Jack was made by the Mexican Franciscan friars of Monterey, California, during the 19th century. California businessman David Jack sold the cheese commercially. He produced a mild, white cheese, which came to be known as "Jack's Cheese", and eventually "Monterey Jack". A common misspelling is "Monterrey" Jack, presumably in confusion with the Mexican city of Monterrey. Most of the softer types generally found in American markets are aged for only one month, while another variety of...