Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is a soft, smear-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese?
Époisses de Bourgogne is a soft, washed rind cow's milk cheese from the village of Époisses in Côte-d'Or, Burgundy. Its rind is washed in brine and Marc de Bourgogne, which gives the cheese an orange-red surface and a strong smell.
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 Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (France), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Milk treatment: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (unpasteurized), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (soft, smear-ripened), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (washed), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Aging: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese (around six weeks), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Côte-D'Or, Burgundy, France | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, smear-ripened | Semihard |
| Rind | Washed | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | Around six weeks | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | — | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese offers pungent, spicy, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery. Aging plays into this as well. Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese at around six weeks develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.
Can You Substitute Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
In most recipes, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, smear-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard.
Which Is Better, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, smear-ripened cheese, go with Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese originates in France, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Aging also differs: Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is typically aged around six weeks, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.
Is Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese made of?
Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using none, lactic acid coagulation rennet. It's typically aged around six 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, Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Epoisses de Bourgogne Cheese is soft, smear-ripened, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.