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Cheddar Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Cheddar Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese the same?"
- "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Jarlsberg Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Jarlsberg Cheese?"
- "Is Cheddar Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese better?"
Cheddar Cheese Overview
Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.
Jarlsberg Cheese Overview
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.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Jarlsberg Cheese originated from Norway.
Milk Type and Treatment
Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Jarlsberg Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Jarlsberg Cheese has a fat content of regular: 27% (45% fdm), lite: 16% (30% fdm). Jarlsberg's texture can be described as "semihard".
Taste and Aroma
Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Jarlsberg Cheese has a mild, sweet, nutty taste.
Appearance and Aging
Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years . Jarlsberg Cheese comes in wheels, blocks, loaves, slices, mini wheels and has an aging period of three months to twelve months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Jarlsberg Cheese's rind is described as plastic-covered , with animal rennet.
Ranking
Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 996 types based on community views. Jarlsberg is ranked #50 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Cheddar | Jarlsberg | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Chicken, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Merlot, Tuna, Turkey | No pairings listed. |
| Other Good Pairings | Kombucha, Tomatoes | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Cheddar and Jarlsberg pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Cheddar Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | No Specific Location |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | At least 50% fat in dry matter | Regular: 27% (45% FDM), Lite: 16% (30% FDM) |
| Moisture Content | Up to 39% | Not Specified |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Plastic-covered |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Semihard |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Mild, sweet, nutty |
| Aroma | Varies | Not Specified |
| Colors | Natural or dyed orange | Not Specified |
| Forms | Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks | Wheels, blocks, loaves, slices, mini wheels |
| Age | A few months to several years | Three months to twelve months |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Animal |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a semihard consistency, Jarlsberg might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Jarlsberg offers a mild, sweet, nutty profile, ideal for different meals.
