Jarlsberg Cheese vs Old Ford Cheese

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Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

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 Old Ford Cheese?

Old Ford is an artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in Timsbury, Somerset, England. It has a semi-hard texture, making it a sturdy cheese with a satisfying bite. The flavor profile of Old Ford is a mix of buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, and savory notes, providing a refreshing yet rich taste experience. Its aroma carries barnyardy, floral, and goaty scents, adding to its rustic charm. The cheese is ivory in color, with a natural rind that adds character to its appearance. Suitable for cheese boards or paired with light wines, Old Ford is a versatile choice for various culinary applications.

What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Old Ford Cheese?

  • Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Old Ford Cheese (England, Great Britain and United Kingdom)
  • Milk type: Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk), Old Ford Cheese (goat's milk)
  • Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Old Ford Cheese (unpasteurized)
  • Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Old Ford Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
  • Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Old Ford Cheese (natural)
  • Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Old Ford Cheese (buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Jarlsberg Cheese Old Ford Cheese
Country of Origin Norway England, Great Britain And United Kingdom
Specific Origin Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway Timsbury, Somerset
Milk Type Cow's milk Goat's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Unpasteurized
Texture Semihard Semi-hard, artisan
Rind Plastic-covered Natural
Aging Three months to twelve months —
Taste Mild, sweet, nutty Buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory

Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Old Ford Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Old Ford Cheese's barnyardy, floral, goaty.

Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese can stand in for Old Ford 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, artisan. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Old Ford Cheese brings buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory notes.

Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Old Ford 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, artisan profile, Old Ford Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Old Ford Cheese fits dishes calling for buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory.

Which is your favorite?

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Old Ford Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Old Ford Cheese comes from England, Great Britain and United Kingdom. Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk; Old Ford Cheese uses goat.

Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Old Ford Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Old Ford Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Old Ford Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Old Ford Cheese is buttery, citrusy, floral, salty, savory. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Old Ford Cheese is closer to barnyardy, floral, goaty.

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 Old Ford Cheese made of?

Old Ford Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in England, Great Britain and United Kingdom.

Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Old Ford Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Old Ford Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.