Jarlsberg Cheese vs Gruyère Cheese

Jarlsberg Cheese

Gruyère Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Jarlsberg Cheese and Gruyère Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Jarlsberg Cheese and Gruyère Cheese?"
  • "Is Jarlsberg Cheese and Gruyère Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Jarlsberg Cheese compare to Gruyère Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Jarlsberg Cheese compare to Gruyère Cheese?"
  • "Is Jarlsberg Cheese or Gruyère Cheese better?"

Jarlsberg Cheese Overview

Jarlsberg is a famous Norwegian cheese, known for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste. It is a semi-soft cheese with large, round holes. Jarlsberg is versatile and can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It is often used in sandwiches, as a burger topping, or simply enjoyed on its own.

Gruyère Cheese Overview

Gruyère is a famous Swiss hard cheese, known for its rich, creamy, slightly nutty flavor. It is typically aged for six months or more and has a dense, slightly grainy texture. Gruyère is a staple in fondue and is also used in French onion soup, croque-monsieur, and various baked dishes.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Jarlsberg Cheese comes from Norway. Gruyère Cheese originated from Switzerland.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Jarlsberg is not a protected cheese. Gruyère Cheese has a AOP (2007), PGI (2007), GI (2011).

Milk Type and Treatment

Jarlsberg Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Gruyère Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

Composition and Texture

Jarlsberg Cheese has a fat content of regular: 27% (45% fdm), lite: 16% (30% fdm). Jarlsberg's texture can be described as "semihard". Gruyère Cheese has a fat content of around 32-35% fat in dry matter, which translates to about 45-50% overall fat content. and a moisture content of none. Gruyère's texture can be described as "dense, moister".

Taste and Aroma

Jarlsberg Cheese has a mild, sweet, nutty taste. Gruyère Cheese has a nutty, complex taste. Gruyère's aroma can be described as "earthy, fruity, possibly barnyardy".

Appearance and Aging

Jarlsberg Cheese's appearance is available in wheels, blocks, loaves, slices, mini wheels and is aged three months to twelve months . Gruyère Cheese has a color of varies , comes in cylindrical and has an aging period of 5 months to 24+ .

Rind and Rennet Type

Jarlsberg Cheese's rind is described as plastic-covered and uses animal rennet. Gruyère Cheese's rind is described as natural, orangy , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Jarlsberg is ranked #48 out of 996 types based on community views. Gruyère is ranked #26 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Jarlsberg Gruyère
Best Pairings No pairings listed. Beaujolais, Chardonnay, Clam Chowder, Cod, Dijon Mustard, Grilled Cheese, Grüner Veltliner, Ham, Macaroni and Cheese, Mushrooms
Other Good Pairings No additional pairings listed. Asparagus, Madeira, Olives, White Burgundy

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Jarlsberg and Gruyère pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Jarlsberg Cheese Gruyère Cheese
Country of Origin Norway Switzerland
Specific Origin No Specific Location Switzerland, Specifically The Gruyère Region.
Certification Not Specified AOP (2007), PGI (2007), GI (2011)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow’s milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Raw
Fat Content Regular: 27% (45% FDM), Lite: 16% (30% FDM) Around 32-35% fat in dry matter, which translates to about 45-50% overall fat content.
Moisture Content Not Specified Approximately 35-37%, characteristic of its dense texture.
Rind Plastic-covered Natural, orangy
Texture Semihard Dense, moister
Taste Mild, sweet, nutty Nutty, complex
Aroma Not Specified Earthy, fruity, possibly barnyardy
Colors Not Specified Varies
Forms Wheels, blocks, loaves, slices, mini wheels Cylindrical
Age Three months to twelve months 5 months to 24+
Rennet Type Animal Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a semihard cheese, go for Jarlsberg. But if you enjoy a dense, moister consistency, Gruyère might be the better pick. Jarlsberg has a mild, sweet, nutty taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Gruyère offers a nutty, complex profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Jarlsberg Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Gruyère Cheese to Other Cheeses

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