Frinault Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Frinault Cheese is a soft, soft-ripened cow-milk cheese from France, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Frinault Cheese?
Frinault is a soft cheese from the countryside around Orléans in France, made with pasteurized whole cow's milk at 50% fat. It comes as a small 120 g disc in three versions: plain, ash-ripened Frinault cendré, and the longer-aged Frinault sec.
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 Frinault Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Frinault Cheese (France), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Texture: Frinault Cheese (soft, soft-ripened), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Frinault Cheese (natural), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Aging: Frinault Cheese (about 2 weeks), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
- Taste: Frinault Cheese (spicy), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Frinault Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Orléans Area, Loiret, Centre-Val De Loire, France | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, soft-ripened | Semihard |
| Rind | Natural | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | About 2 weeks | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Spicy | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Frinault Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Frinault Cheese reads as spicy, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. On the nose, Frinault Cheese offers fermented, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery. More specifically, Frinault Cheese shows fruity and more perfumed in the cendré version, close to olivet cendré, while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes.. Aging plays into this as well. Frinault Cheese at about 2 weeks develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.
Can You Substitute Frinault Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
In most recipes, Frinault Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, soft-ripened bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Frinault Cheese reads as spicy while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Frinault Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, soft-ripened cheese, go with Frinault Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Frinault Cheese suits recipes that want spicy notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Frinault Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Frinault Cheese originates in France, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Aging also differs: Frinault Cheese is typically aged about 2 weeks, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.
Is Frinault Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Frinault Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Frinault Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Frinault Cheese reads as spicy, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Frinault Cheese leans fermented, and Jarlsberg Cheese is closer to mild, buttery.
What is Frinault Cheese made of?
Frinault Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged about 2 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, Frinault Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Frinault Cheese is soft, soft-ripened, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.