Jarlsberg Cheese vs Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' and made from cow milk.
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 Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda is a cow's milk Gouda from North Holland and one of three Dutch Goudas with EU protected status. It is made only in the Netherlands, from milk of Dutch cows, and ranges from mild and elastic at four weeks to hard and sharp past a year.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product')
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Closed, smooth, yellow, no visible mold growth)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese (Aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | — |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | North Holland |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semihard | Pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Closed, smooth, yellow, no visible mold growth |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | Minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese brings aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp character. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese leans toward less salty than other gouda cheeses, cumin may be added. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese at minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Noord-Hollandse Gouda 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 pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product'. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese brings aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Noord-Hollandse Gouda 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 pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product' profile, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese fits dishes calling for aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is aromatic, pleasant, mild to sharp.
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 Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese made of?
Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using calf or microbial rennet, no genetically modified organisms used rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 4 weeks to over 18 months.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Noord-Hollandse Gouda Cheese is pliable, fills the borer, termed a 'soft dairy product'.