Jarlsberg Cheese vs Shropshire Blue Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Shropshire Blue Cheese is semi-hard and made from cow milk, originating in United Kingdom.
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 Shropshire Blue Cheese?
Shropshire Blue is a British blue cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk, coloured orange with annatto and veined with Penicillium roqueforti. It is made much like Stilton but tastes sharper, and it matures for 10 to 12 weeks.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Shropshire Blue Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Shropshire Blue Cheese (United Kingdom)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Shropshire Blue Cheese (semi-hard)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Shropshire Blue Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Shropshire Blue Cheese (10 to 12 weeks)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Shropshire Blue Cheese (sharp and strong)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Shropshire Blue Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | United Kingdom |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | United Kingdom |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Semihard | Semi-hard |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Natural |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | 10 to 12 weeks |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Sharp and strong |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Shropshire Blue Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Shropshire Blue Cheese brings sharp and strong character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Shropshire Blue Cheese's slightly tangy. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Shropshire Blue Cheese leans toward sharp, strong, slightly sour, sharper than stilton, creamy. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Shropshire Blue Cheese at 10 to 12 weeks.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Shropshire Blue Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Shropshire Blue 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 semi-hard. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Shropshire Blue Cheese brings sharp and strong notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Shropshire Blue 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 semi-hard profile, Shropshire Blue Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Shropshire Blue Cheese fits dishes calling for sharp and strong.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Shropshire Blue Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Shropshire Blue Cheese comes from United Kingdom. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Shropshire Blue Cheese 10 to 12 weeks.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Shropshire Blue Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Shropshire Blue Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Shropshire Blue Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Shropshire Blue Cheese is sharp and strong. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Shropshire Blue Cheese is closer to slightly tangy.
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 Shropshire Blue Cheese made of?
Shropshire Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized), using vegetable rennet. It's typically aged 10 to 12 weeks. It originates in United Kingdom.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Shropshire Blue Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Shropshire Blue Cheese is semi-hard.