Jarlsberg Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while L'Etivaz Cheese is hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
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 Is L'Etivaz Cheese?
L'Etivaz is a hard raw cow's milk cheese from the canton of Vaud, Switzerland, made only during the summer Alpine grazing season in copper cauldrons over wood fires. It tastes close to Gruyère surchoix, fruity and slightly nutty.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), L'Etivaz Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), L'Etivaz Cheese (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), L'Etivaz Cheese (hard)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), L'Etivaz Cheese (5 to 13 months)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), L'Etivaz Cheese (fruity, slightly nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | L'Etivaz Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Vaud, Switzerland |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semihard | Hard |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | — |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | 5 to 13 months |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Fruity, slightly nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like L'Etivaz Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while L'Etivaz Cheese brings fruity, slightly nutty character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with L'Etivaz Cheese's smokey. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while L'Etivaz Cheese leans toward creamier and less sharp than antique gruyère, smooth, salty, varying with the pasture soil. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than L'Etivaz Cheese at 5 to 13 months.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect semihard bite and body where the recipe calls for hard. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while L'Etivaz Cheese brings fruity, slightly nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semihard cheese, go with Jarlsberg Cheese. For a hard profile, L'Etivaz Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while L'Etivaz Cheese fits dishes calling for fruity, slightly nutty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as L'Etivaz Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while L'Etivaz Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, L'Etivaz Cheese 5 to 13 months.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to L'Etivaz Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for L'Etivaz Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like L'Etivaz Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while L'Etivaz Cheese is fruity, slightly nutty. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and L'Etivaz Cheese is closer to smokey.
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.
What is L'Etivaz Cheese made of?
L'Etivaz Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 5 to 13 months. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or L'Etivaz Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while L'Etivaz Cheese is hard.