Jarlsberg Cheese vs Selles-sur-Cher Cheese

Q: Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

No. Jarlsberg Cheese and Selles-sur-Cher Cheese are distinct cheeses from Norway and France respectively. See the side-by-side table for the specific differences in milk type, texture, and aging.

Q: Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

In most recipes you can swap Jarlsberg Cheese for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese, though the result will shift in richness and milk character.

Q: Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture and flavor rows in the table above are the best guide. Pick the one whose profile fits your recipe or board.

Jarlsberg Cheese

Selles-sur-Cher Cheese

Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is fine and firm and made from goat milk, originating in France.

What Is Jarlsberg Cheese?

Jarlsberg is a famous Norwegian cheese, known for its distinctive sweet and nutty taste. It is a semi-soft cheese with large, round holes. Jarlsberg is versatile and can be sliced, grilled, or melted. It is often used in sandwiches, as a burger topping, or simply enjoyed on its own.

What Is Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Selles-sur-Cher is a French goat cheese from the Centre-Val de Loire region. It features a distinctive ash-covered rind and a firm yet creamy texture. The cheese has a subtle nutty flavor with a hint of tanginess. As it matures, the flavor intensifies, becoming more pronounced and slightly salty.

What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (France)
Milk type: Jarlsberg Cheese (cow's milk), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Whole goat’s milk)
Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Fine and firm)
Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Ash-coated, light to dark ash)
Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Ten days minimum)
Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Selles-sur-Cher Cheese (Fresh, hazelnut)

Side-by-Side Comparison

	Jarlsberg Cheese	Selles-sur-Cher Cheese
Country of Origin	Norway	France
Specific Origin	No Specific Location	Sologne, North-Central France
Milk Type	Cow's milk	Whole goat’s milk
Milk Treatment	Pasteurized	—
Texture	Semihard	Fine and firm
Rind	Plastic-covered	Ash-coated, light to dark ash
Aging	Three months to twelve months	Ten days minimum
Taste	Mild, sweet, nutty	Fresh, hazelnut

Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese brings fresh, hazelnut character. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese leans toward chalky-white, homogenous, highlighted by rind. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Selles-sur-Cher Cheese at ten days minimum.

Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese can stand in for Selles-sur-Cher 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 fine and firm. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese brings fresh, hazelnut notes.

Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Selles-sur-Cher 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 fine and firm profile, Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese fits dishes calling for fresh, hazelnut.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese comes from France. Jarlsberg Cheese is made from cow milk; Selles-sur-Cher Cheese uses goat. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Selles-sur-Cher Cheese ten days minimum.

Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is fresh, hazelnut.

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 Selles-sur-Cher Cheese made of?

Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is made from goat milk, using small amount rennet. It's typically aged ten days minimum. It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Selles-sur-Cher Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Selles-sur-Cher Cheese is fine and firm.