Armenian String Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese

Q: Is Armenian String Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?

No. Armenian String Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese are distinct cheeses from Armenia and Norway respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Armenian String Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Armenian String Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Armenian String Cheese is a semi-soft cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Armenia, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.

What Is Armenian String Cheese?

Chechil, also called Armenian string cheese, is a brined pasta filata cheese from Armenia, sold as bundles of thick or thin fibrous threads that are often tied into ropes, braids or balls. It is frequently smoked and tastes sharp and sour with moderate salt.

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 Armenian String Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?

Origin: Armenian String Cheese (Armenia), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
Milk type: Armenian String Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk), Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk)
Milk treatment: Armenian String Cheese (soured skimmed milk), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
Texture: Armenian String Cheese (semi-soft), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
Aging: Armenian String Cheese (1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
Taste: Armenian String Cheese (mild), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Armenian String Cheese	Jarlsberg Cheese
Country of Origin	Armenia	Norway
Specific Origin	Armenia	Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway
Milk Type	Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk	Cow's milk
Milk Treatment	Soured skimmed milk	Pasteurized
Texture	Semi-soft	Semihard
Rind	—	Plastic-covered
Aging	1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand	Three months to twelve months
Taste	Mild	Mild, sweet, nutty

Taste Comparison: Does Armenian String Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. More specifically, Armenian String Cheese shows sharp and sour-milk, moderately salty at 4 to 8% salt, while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes.. Aging plays into this as well. Armenian String Cheese at 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.

Can You Substitute Armenian String Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

Armenian String Cheese can stand in for Jarlsberg Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese reads as mild while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Armenian String Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft cheese, go with Armenian String Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Armenian String Cheese suits recipes that want mild notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Armenian String Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Armenian String Cheese originates in Armenia, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Jarlsberg Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Armenian String Cheese is typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.

Is Armenian String Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Armenian String Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Armenian String Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Armenian String Cheese reads as mild, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty.

What is Armenian String Cheese made of?

Armenian String Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (soured skimmed milk), using animal rennet. It's typically aged 1 to 2 days in factories, longer in brine when made by hand. It originates in Armenia.

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, Armenian String Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Armenian String Cheese is semi-soft, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.