Jarlsberg Cheese vs Penamellera Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Penamellera Cheese is semi-hard, artisan and made from cow, goat, and sheep milk, originating in Spain.
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 Penamellera Cheese?
Penamellera is a small Asturian cheese made mostly from cow's milk, sometimes with goat's or sheep's milk added. It is known for the grid pattern left on its rind by the hazel rods it dries on, and for a slightly acidic, faintly bitter flavor.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Penamellera Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Penamellera Cheese (Spain)
- Milk type: Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk), Penamellera Cheese (cow's, goat's and sheep's milk)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Penamellera Cheese (semi-hard, artisan)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Penamellera Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Penamellera Cheese (10 to 15 days)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Penamellera Cheese (acidic, bitter, herbaceous)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Penamellera Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | Spain |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Asturias, Spain |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semihard | Semi-hard, artisan |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Natural |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | 10 to 15 days |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Acidic, bitter, herbaceous |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Penamellera Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Penamellera Cheese brings acidic, bitter, herbaceous character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Penamellera Cheese's aromatic, strong. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Penamellera Cheese leans toward somewhat strong, slightly acidic, with faint bitter hints. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Penamellera Cheese at 10 to 15 days.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Penamellera Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese can stand in for Penamellera 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 Penamellera Cheese brings acidic, bitter, herbaceous notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Penamellera 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, Penamellera Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Penamellera Cheese fits dishes calling for acidic, bitter, herbaceous.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Penamellera Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Penamellera Cheese comes from Spain. Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk; Penamellera Cheese uses cow, goat, and sheep. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Penamellera Cheese 10 to 15 days.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Penamellera Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Penamellera Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Penamellera Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Penamellera Cheese is acidic, bitter, herbaceous. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Penamellera Cheese is closer to aromatic, strong.
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 Penamellera Cheese made of?
Penamellera Cheese is made from cow, goat, and sheep milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 10 to 15 days. It originates in Spain.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Penamellera Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Penamellera Cheese is semi-hard, artisan.