Jarlsberg Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semi-hard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in Switzerland.
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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 du Valais Cheese?
Raclette du Valais is a semi-hard cow milk cheese from the Swiss Canton of Valais, sold in wheels of about 6 kg (13 lb). It holds an AOP and is used above all for melting in the dish that shares its name.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Switzerland)
- Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Raw)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Washed)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Raclette du Valais Cheese (Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Raclette du Valais Cheese ('Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal')
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Raclette du Valais Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Canton Of Valais |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Semi-hard | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Washed |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' character. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Raclette du Valais Cheese leans toward 'floral', 'vegetal', 'fresh butter'. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Raclette du Valais Cheese at minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Raclette du Valais Cheese brings 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Raclette du Valais Cheese fits dishes calling for 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Raclette du Valais Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Raclette du Valais Cheese comes from Switzerland. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Raclette du Valais Cheese minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Yes, they share close profiles. Same milk base and similar texture make them workable alternatives in many recipes.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Yes, quite easily. The milk base and texture are close enough that most recipes won't notice the swap.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Raclette du Valais Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Raclette du Valais Cheese is 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'.
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 du Valais Cheese made of?
Raclette du Valais Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker. It originates in Switzerland.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Raclette du Valais Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The table above is the fastest way to decide based on your recipe.