Abertam Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Abertam Cheese is a hard, artisan sheep-milk cheese from Czech Republic, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Abertam Cheese?
Abertam is a Czech farmhouse cheese made from sheep milk in the Karlovy Vary area. It is hard pressed, ripened for two months, and known for a robust flavour that comes from the mountain pastures of Bohemia.
What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?
Jarlsberg is a mild Swiss-type cheese from Norway, made from cow's milk and named after Jarlsberg Manor. It is known for its buttery, slightly sweet and nutty flavor and its medium to large holes.
What's the Difference Between Abertam Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Abertam Cheese (Czech Republic), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Milk type: Abertam Cheese (sheep's milk), Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk)
- Texture: Abertam Cheese (hard, artisan), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Abertam Cheese (natural), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Aging: Abertam Cheese (2 months), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
- Taste: Abertam Cheese (acidic, strong, tangy), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Abertam Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Czech Republic | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Karlovy Vary | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Hard, artisan | Semihard |
| Rind | Natural | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | 2 months | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Acidic, strong, tangy | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Abertam Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Abertam Cheese reads as acidic, strong, tangy, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. Aging plays into this as well. Abertam Cheese at 2 months develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.
Can You Substitute Abertam Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
Abertam Cheese can stand in for Jarlsberg Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect hard, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Abertam Cheese reads as acidic, strong, tangy while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Abertam Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a hard, artisan cheese, go with Abertam Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Abertam Cheese suits recipes that want acidic, strong, tangy notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Abertam Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Abertam Cheese originates in Czech Republic, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Abertam Cheese is made from sheep milk; Jarlsberg Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Abertam Cheese is typically aged 2 months, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.
Is Abertam Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Abertam Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Abertam Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Abertam Cheese reads as acidic, strong, tangy, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty.
What is Abertam Cheese made of?
Abertam Cheese is made from sheep milk. It's typically aged 2 months. It originates in Czech Republic.
What is Jarlsberg Cheese made of?
Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using animal rennet. It's typically aged three months to twelve months. It originates in Norway.
Which should I choose, Abertam Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Abertam Cheese is hard, artisan, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.