Jarlsberg Cheese vs Raclette de Savoie Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Raclette de Savoie Cheese is firm and tender, creamy and melting when heated 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 Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
Raclette de Savoie is a pressed, uncooked cheese from France. It is made from raw or heat-treated cow's milk. The cheese is traditionally matured for a minimum of eight weeks. It has a washed rind that is yellow to brown and a paste that is white to straw-yellow. Raclette de Savoie is known for its firm and tender texture, becoming creamy and melting when heated. The cheese is typically sold in wheel form, but can also be sliced into wedges or prepackaged for consumers. It is linked to the Savoie region's rich history of livestock farming and cheese-making expertise.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Raclette de Savoie Cheese (Raw or heat-treated)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Raclette de Savoie Cheese (Firm and tender, creamy and melting when heated)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Raclette de Savoie Cheese (Washed rind, yellow to brown in color)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Raclette de Savoie Cheese (Minimum of eight weeks)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Raclette de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | — |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Savoie And Haute Savoie Departments, And Specific Municipalities In The Departments Of Ain And Isère |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw or heat-treated |
| Texture | Semihard | Firm and tender, creamy and melting when heated |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Washed rind, yellow to brown in color |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | Minimum of eight weeks |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | — |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Raclette de Savoie Cheese leans toward creamy, not very sticky, pronounced meltability. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Raclette de Savoie Cheese at minimum of eight weeks.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Raclette de Savoie 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 firm and tender, creamy and melting when heated.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Raclette de Savoie 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 firm and tender, creamy and melting when heated profile, Raclette de Savoie Cheese is the better fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Raclette de Savoie Cheese minimum of eight weeks.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
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 Raclette de Savoie Cheese made of?
Raclette de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (raw or heat-treated). It's typically aged minimum of eight weeks.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Raclette de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Raclette de Savoie Cheese is firm and tender, creamy and melting when heated.