Jarlsberg Cheese vs Roumy Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Roumy Cheese is hard and made from cow and buffalo milk, originating in Egypt.
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 Roumy Cheese?
Rumi, also spelled Roumy, is the main hard cheese of Egypt, made from cow's or buffalo milk with no starter culture. Three to four months of aging give it an open texture, a pungent smell and a sharp flavor that gets saltier with age.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Roumy Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Roumy Cheese (Egypt)
- Milk type: Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk), Roumy Cheese (cow's and water buffalo's milk)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Roumy Cheese (hard)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Roumy Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Roumy Cheese (3 to 4 months)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Roumy Cheese (salty, sharp, strong)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Roumy Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | Egypt |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Egypt |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's and water buffalo's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | — |
| Texture | Semihard | Hard |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Natural |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | 3 to 4 months |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Salty, sharp, strong |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Roumy Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Roumy Cheese brings salty, sharp, strong character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Roumy Cheese's pungent. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Roumy Cheese at 3 to 4 months.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Roumy Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese can stand in for Roumy 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 hard. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Roumy Cheese brings salty, sharp, strong notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Roumy 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 hard profile, Roumy Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Roumy Cheese fits dishes calling for salty, sharp, strong.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Roumy Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Roumy Cheese comes from Egypt. Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk; Roumy Cheese uses cow and buffalo. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Roumy Cheese 3 to 4 months.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Roumy Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Roumy Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Roumy Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Roumy Cheese is salty, sharp, strong. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Roumy Cheese is closer to pungent.
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 Roumy Cheese made of?
Roumy Cheese is made from cow and buffalo milk. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in Egypt.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Roumy Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Roumy Cheese is hard.