Cabrales Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese

Cabrales Cheese is a crumbly, open paste cow-milk cheese from Spain, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.

What Is Cabrales Cheese?

Cabrales is a strong, pungent blue cheese from the Asturias region in northern Spain. It is traditionally made from a mixture of raw cow's, goat’s, and sheep's milk that is aged in natural limestone caves, facilitating the development of its intense flavor and blue veining. Cabrales is known for its deep, spicy earthiness and can be quite sharp, making it a favorite among blue cheese aficionados.

What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?

Jarlsberg is a famous Norwegian cheese, known for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste. It is a semi-soft cheese with large, round holes. Jarlsberg is versatile and can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It is often used in sandwiches, as a burger topping, or simply enjoyed on its own.

What's the Difference Between Cabrales Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?

• Origin: Cabrales Cheese (Spain), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
• Milk treatment: Cabrales Cheese (unpasteurized), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Cabrales Cheese (Crumbly, open paste), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
• Rind: Cabrales Cheese (Natural), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
• Aging: Cabrales Cheese (2 to 3 months), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
• Taste: Cabrales Cheese (Intense, piquant), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Cabrales Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. More specifically, Cabrales Cheese shows hints of hazelnuts, dark cocoa, sharp, metallic finish; intensely acid curd, while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes.. Aging plays into this as well. Cabrales Cheese at 2 to 3 months develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.

Can You Substitute Cabrales Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

In most recipes, Cabrales Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect crumbly, open paste bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Cabrales Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cabrales Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Cabrales Cheese originates in Spain, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Aging also differs: Cabrales Cheese is typically aged 2 to 3 months, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.

Is Cabrales Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Cabrales Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Cabrales Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Cabrales Cheese reads as intense, piquant, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty.

What is Cabrales Cheese made of?

Cabrales Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using kid rennet. It's typically aged 2 to 3 months. It originates in Spain.

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, Cabrales Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cabrales Cheese is crumbly, open paste, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.