Jarlsberg Cheese vs Saint Felicien Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in France.
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 Saint Felicien Cheese?
Saint-Félicien is a soft cow's milk cheese from the Rhône-Alpes region of France, with a creamy interior under a flower-style fleurie casing. Rounds average 180 grams (6.3 oz), and it is softer and creamier than its close relative Saint-Marcellin.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Saint Felicien Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Saint Felicien Cheese (France)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Saint Felicien Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Saint Felicien Cheese (flower-style (fleurie) casing)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Saint Felicien Cheese (4 to 6 weeks)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Saint Felicien Cheese (creamy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Saint Felicien Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | France |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Rhône-Alpes, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semihard | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Flower-style (fleurie) casing |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | 4 to 6 weeks |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Creamy |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Saint Felicien Cheese's nutty. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Saint Felicien Cheese leans toward similar to saint-marcellin, softer and creamier. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Saint Felicien Cheese at 4 to 6 weeks.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Saint Felicien 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 soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Saint Felicien Cheese brings creamy notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Saint Felicien 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 soft, artisan profile, Saint Felicien Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Saint Felicien Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Saint Felicien Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Saint Felicien Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Saint Felicien Cheese 4 to 6 weeks.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Saint Felicien Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Saint Felicien Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Saint Felicien Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Saint Felicien Cheese is creamy. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Saint Felicien Cheese is closer to nutty.
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 Saint Felicien Cheese made of?
Saint Felicien Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged 4 to 6 weeks. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Saint Felicien Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Saint Felicien Cheese is soft, artisan.