Pepper Jack Cheese
By: Sheri Wetherell

About

Pepper jack cheese is a derivative of Monterey Jack cheese. Pepper jack cheese is semi-soft and open textured with a slightly tart flavor. It includes red and green peppers which makes it spicy in taste.

Information
Other names: Pepperjack Cheese
Translations: Pepper Jack Siers, Pipirai Jack Cheese, Pepper Jack Brânză, Pepper Sir Jack, Pepper Jack sera, Pepper Jack Kaas, काली मिर्च जैक पनीर, Pepper Jack Queijo, Перец Джек сыра, Πιπέρι Τυρί Jack, الفلفل جاك الجبن, 페퍼 잭 치즈, Pepř Jack sýr, 胡椒杰克奶酪, Pepper Jack Formatge, Pepper Jack Sir, Korenie Jack syr, Pepe Jack Cheese, פלפל גבינה ג 'ק, Џек бибер Сир, ペッパージャックチーズ, Fromage Pepper Jack, Pepper Jack Queso, Перець Джек сиру, Пипер Джак сирене


Physical Description
Pepper Jack Cheese is American cow's milk cheese that blends creamy, buttery flavor of jack cheese with the intense spice of peppers like Jalapenos. There are special varieties of Pepper Jack Cheese that are named after the peppers they contain like habanero jack and serrano jack.
Colors: White, Green, Red


Tasting Notes
Flavors: Spicy, Zingy, Buttery
Mouthfeel: Crumbly, Cheesy
Food complements: Salad, Quesadillas, Chicken
Wine complements: Red wine
Beverage complements: Milk
Substitutes: Monterey jack


Selecting and Buying
Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december
Choosing: Choosing Pepper Jack Cheese by age and peppers. Look for exactly which brand has the correct amount of heat (Peppers) that you desire. 
Buying: You can purchase at your local grocery store in the dairy section. Be sure to look at which brand because heat/peppers can vary. 


Preparation and Use
Cheese is best served at room temperature. Cut off the amount needed about an hour before serving and return remainder to the refrigerator.
Cleaning: No cleaning or rinsing required. 


Conserving and Storing
Cheese should be kept in its original package, covered tightly after opening, and placed in the coldest section of the refrigerator (under 40°F) to prevent drying out or becoming moldy.


Social/Political
Great for Cisco de Mayo celebrations and during the winter holidays..
History: Jack cheese originated in California where it was originally made by Franciscan monks.