Fromage de Herve Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Fromage de Herve Cheese is a homogeneous, firm, unctuous cow-milk cheese, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Fromage de Herve Cheese?
Fromage de Herve is a Belgian washed-rind soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Herve area near Liege. Produced since the 15th century, it is best known for the powerful smell it develops as Brevibacterium linens works on the rind.
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 Fromage de Herve Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Texture: Fromage de Herve Cheese (Homogeneous, firm, unctuous), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Fromage de Herve Cheese (Washed rind, brown, slightly rosy), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Aging: Fromage de Herve Cheese (Five to six weeks for "doux", two months for "piquant"), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
- Taste: Fromage de Herve Cheese (Mature, with varying degrees of ripeness), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Fromage de Herve Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Herve Region | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Untreated or pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Homogeneous, firm, unctuous | Semihard |
| Rind | Washed rind, brown, slightly rosy | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | Five to six weeks for "doux", two months for "piquant" | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Mature, with varying degrees of ripeness | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Fromage de Herve Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Fromage de Herve Cheese reads as mature, with varying degrees of ripeness, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. Aging plays into this as well. Fromage de Herve Cheese at five to six weeks for "doux", two months for "piquant" develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.
Can You Substitute Fromage de Herve Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
In most recipes, Fromage de Herve Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect homogeneous, firm, unctuous bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Fromage de Herve Cheese reads as mature, with varying degrees of ripeness while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Fromage de Herve Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a homogeneous, firm, unctuous cheese, go with Fromage de Herve Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fromage de Herve Cheese suits recipes that want mature, with varying degrees of ripeness notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fromage de Herve Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Fromage de Herve Cheese is typically aged five to six weeks for "doux", two months for "piquant", Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.
Is Fromage de Herve Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Fromage de Herve Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Fromage de Herve Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Fromage de Herve Cheese reads as mature, with varying degrees of ripeness, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty.
What is Fromage de Herve Cheese made of?
Fromage de Herve Cheese is made from cow milk (untreated or pasteurized), using used to provoke curdling rennet. It's typically aged five to six weeks for "doux", two months for "piquant".
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, Fromage de Herve Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fromage de Herve Cheese is homogeneous, firm, unctuous, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.