Graviera Naxou Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese

Graviera Naxou Cheese is a elastic cow, goat, or sheep-milk cheese from Greece, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.

What Is Graviera Naxou Cheese?

Graviera Naxou is a yellow hard cheese from the Greek island of Naxos, made with pasteurized cow's milk and up to 20 percent sheep's milk. It is known for its delicate, slightly sharp aroma and its PDO status, held since 1996.

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 Graviera Naxou Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?

• Origin: Graviera Naxou Cheese (Greece), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
• Milk type: Graviera Naxou Cheese (Predominantly cow's milk, sheep’s or goat’s milk (up to 20%)), Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk)
• Texture: Graviera Naxou Cheese (Elastic), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
• Rind: Graviera Naxou Cheese (Smear rind), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
• Aging: Graviera Naxou Cheese (3 months), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Graviera Naxou Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?

Their flavor profiles are distinct. On the nose, Graviera Naxou Cheese offers delicate, slightly sharp, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery. More specifically, Graviera Naxou Cheese shows produced traditionally, small-scale, without starter, renneted at 91–97°f, aged at least 3 months, while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes.. Aging plays into this as well. Graviera Naxou Cheese at 3 months develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.

Can You Substitute Graviera Naxou Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

Graviera Naxou Cheese can stand in for Jarlsberg Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect elastic bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard.

Which Is Better, Graviera Naxou Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a elastic cheese, go with Graviera Naxou Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Graviera Naxou Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Graviera Naxou Cheese originates in Greece, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Graviera Naxou Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk; Jarlsberg Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Graviera Naxou Cheese is typically aged 3 months, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.

Is Graviera Naxou Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Graviera Naxou Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Graviera Naxou Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?

They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.

What is Graviera Naxou Cheese made of?

Graviera Naxou Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (pasteurized), using traditional lamb's stomach rennet. It's typically aged 3 months. It originates in Greece.

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, Graviera Naxou Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Graviera Naxou Cheese is elastic, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.