Edam Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese

Edam Cheese is a rubber-textured to crystalline cow-milk cheese from Netherlands, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.

What Is Edam Cheese?

Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese named after the town of Edam in North Holland, sold in flat-ended spheres under a red wax rind. It hardens rather than spoils, which made it the world's most popular cheese from the 14th to the 18th century.

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 Edam Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?

• Origin: Edam Cheese (Netherlands), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
• Texture: Edam Cheese (Rubber-textured to crystalline), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
• Rind: Edam Cheese (Smooth, waxed), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
• Aging: Edam Cheese (3 months to longer), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
• Taste: Edam Cheese (Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Edam Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. On the nose, Edam Cheese offers almost no smell when young, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery. More specifically, Edam Cheese shows sweet milky-ness, light brazil nut and almond tones, gentle buttery-ness, aged variants show caramel and roasted nut qualities, while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes.. Aging plays into this as well. Edam Cheese at 3 months to longer develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.

Can You Substitute Edam Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

In most recipes, Edam Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect rubber-textured to crystalline bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.

Which Is Better, Edam Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Edam Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Is Edam Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Edam Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

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

Does Edam Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Edam Cheese reads as sweet, milky, nutty, buttery, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Edam Cheese leans almost no smell when young, and Jarlsberg Cheese is closer to mild, buttery.

What is Edam Cheese made of?

Edam Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 3 months to longer. It originates in Netherlands.

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, Edam Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Edam Cheese is rubber-textured to crystalline, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.