Figue Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Figue Cheese is a soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from France, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Figue Cheese?
Figue is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in the Provence region of France. It has a creamy white color and a natural rind. Known for its full-flavored and sour taste, Figue offers a rich experience for those who enjoy goat's milk cheeses. Its aromatic, milky scent enhances its appeal, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts. The cheese is often shaped like a small fig, which is reflected in its name. Enjoy it on a cheese board or paired with fresh bread and a glass of wine to appreciate its flavorful profile.
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 Figue Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Figue Cheese (France), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Milk type: Figue Cheese (goat's milk), Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Figue Cheese (unpasteurized), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Figue Cheese (soft, artisan), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Figue Cheese (natural), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Taste: Figue Cheese (full-flavored, sour), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Figue Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Provence | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Semihard |
| Rind | Natural | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | — | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Full-flavored, sour | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Figue Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. On the nose, Figue Cheese offers aromatic, milky, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery.
Can You Substitute Figue Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
Figue Cheese can stand in for Jarlsberg Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Figue Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Figue Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese suits recipes that want full-flavored, sour notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Figue Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Figue Cheese originates in France, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Figue Cheese is made from goat milk; Jarlsberg Cheese uses cow.
Is Figue Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Figue Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Figue Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Figue Cheese leans aromatic, milky, and Jarlsberg Cheese is closer to mild, buttery.
What is Figue Cheese made of?
Figue Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). 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, Figue Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Figue Cheese is soft, artisan, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.