Herve Cheese vs Jarlsberg Cheese
Herve Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from Belgium, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard and made from cow milk, originating in Norway.
What Is Herve Cheese?
Herve is a Belgian washed rind cheese made from raw cow's milk in the countryside near Liège, where it has been produced since the 15th century. It is known for the powerful smell that Brevibacterium linens gives it after about three months of ripening.
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 Herve Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese?
- Origin: Herve Cheese (Belgium), Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway)
- Milk treatment: Herve Cheese (raw), Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Herve Cheese (soft, artisan), Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard)
- Rind: Herve Cheese (washed), Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered)
- Aging: Herve Cheese (about 3 months), Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months)
- Taste: Herve Cheese (smooth, spicy), Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Herve Cheese | Jarlsberg Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Belgium | Norway |
| Specific Origin | Herve, Province Of Liège, Belgium | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Semihard |
| Rind | Washed | Plastic-covered |
| Aging | About 3 months | Three months to twelve months |
| Taste | Smooth, spicy | Mild, sweet, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Herve Cheese Taste Like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy, while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty character. On the nose, Herve Cheese offers pungent, strong, contrasted with Jarlsberg Cheese's mild, buttery. More specifically, Herve Cheese shows sweet when young, spicy with age, while Jarlsberg Cheese leans toward known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes.. Aging plays into this as well. Herve Cheese at about 3 months develops a different profile than Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months.
Can You Substitute Herve Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
In most recipes, Herve Cheese and Jarlsberg Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for semihard. Flavor-wise, Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy while Jarlsberg Cheese brings mild, sweet, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Herve 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 Herve Cheese. For a semihard profile, Jarlsberg Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Herve Cheese suits recipes that want smooth, spicy notes, while Jarlsberg Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, sweet, nutty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Herve Cheese the same as Jarlsberg Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Herve Cheese originates in Belgium, while Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Aging also differs: Herve Cheese is typically aged about 3 months, Jarlsberg Cheese three months to twelve months.
Is Herve Cheese similar to Jarlsberg Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Herve Cheese for Jarlsberg Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Herve Cheese taste like Jarlsberg Cheese?
Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy, while Jarlsberg Cheese is mild, sweet, nutty. Aromas also diverge. Herve Cheese leans pungent, strong, and Jarlsberg Cheese is closer to mild, buttery.
What is Herve Cheese made of?
Herve Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged about 3 months. It originates in Belgium.
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, Herve Cheese or Jarlsberg Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Herve Cheese is soft, artisan, while Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard.