Brie de Melun Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Brie de Melun Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Brie de Melun Cheese?
Brie de Melun is a soft unpasteurised cow's milk cheese from the Brie region of France, one of only two bries the French government certifies. It is smaller than Brie de Meaux, with a stronger flavour and a more pungent smell, and has held AOC status since 1980.
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 Brie de Melun Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Brie de Melun Cheese (France), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Milk treatment: Brie de Melun Cheese (unpasteurized), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Brie de Melun Cheese (Soft), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Brie de Melun Cheese (Bloomy), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Aging: Brie de Melun Cheese (at least four or five weeks), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
- Taste: Brie de Melun Cheese (salty, sharp, sour, strong), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie de Melun Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Melun | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Semihard |
| Rind | Bloomy | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | At least four or five weeks | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Salty, sharp, sour, strong | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Melun Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. On the nose, Brie de Melun Cheese offers grassy, musty, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery. More specifically, Brie de Melun Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes.. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Melun Cheese at at least four or five weeks develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.
Can You Substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
In most recipes, Brie de Melun Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Brie de Melun Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie de Melun Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese suits recipes that want salty, sharp, sour, strong notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie de Melun Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Melun Cheese originates in France, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Aging also differs: Brie de Melun Cheese is typically aged at least four or five weeks, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.
Is Brie de Melun Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Brie de Melun Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Melun Cheese leans grassy, musty, and Jarlsberg Cheese is closer to mild, buttery.
What is Brie de Melun Cheese made of?
Brie de Melun Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least four or five weeks. It originates in France.
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, Brie de Melun Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Melun Cheese is soft, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.