Jarlsberg Cheese vs Naboulsi Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined and made from goat or sheep milk, originating in Middle East and Palestine.
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 Naboulsi Cheese?
Nabulsi is a Palestinian white brined cheese named for Nablus, made mostly from sheep's milk and flavored with mahleb and mastic in the brine. It comes in white rectangular blocks that turn soft and stretchy when heated, which is why it fills knafeh.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Naboulsi Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Naboulsi Cheese (Middle East and Palestine)
- Milk type: Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk), Naboulsi Cheese (goat's or sheep's milk)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Naboulsi Cheese (semi-hard, brined)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Naboulsi Cheese (natural)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Naboulsi Cheese (salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Naboulsi Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | Middle East And Palestine |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Nablus, Palestine |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Goat's or sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semihard | Semi-hard, brined |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Natural |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | — |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Naboulsi Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Naboulsi Cheese's fresh.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese can stand in for Naboulsi Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semihard bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-hard, brined. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Naboulsi Cheese brings salty notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Naboulsi 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 semi-hard, brined profile, Naboulsi Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Naboulsi Cheese fits dishes calling for salty.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Naboulsi Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Naboulsi Cheese comes from Middle East and Palestine. Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk; Naboulsi Cheese uses goat or sheep.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Naboulsi Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Naboulsi Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Naboulsi Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Naboulsi Cheese is salty. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Naboulsi Cheese is closer to fresh.
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 Naboulsi Cheese made of?
Naboulsi Cheese is made from goat or sheep milk (pasteurized). It originates in Middle East and Palestine.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Naboulsi Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Naboulsi Cheese is semi-hard, brined.