Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a full-fat soft blue-veined cheese made from unpasteurized Jersey cow’s milk in Devon and Somerset, England. It has a rich yellow color and a buttery texture, with an average fat content of 34%. The cheese has been handmade on Willet Farm since 1986, using traditional methods. It undergoes a maturation period of 3 to 6 weeks, during which it is regularly turned and treated with Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium candidum to develop its distinctive blue veining. The lush pasture of the region, influenced by the warm, wet climate and red sandstone soil, contributes to the rich flavor of the milk used in production.
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 Exmoor Blue Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Aging: Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | No Specific Location |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Semihard |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | — | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Exmoor Blue Cheese at 3 to 6 weeks develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
In most recipes, Exmoor Blue 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.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue 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 Exmoor Blue Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Exmoor Blue Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 weeks, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Exmoor Blue Cheese made of?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 6 weeks.
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, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.