Jarlsberg Cheese vs Tomme de Savoie Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-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 Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Tomme de Savoie is a mild, semi-firm cow's milk cheese from Savoy in the French Alps. It is made from the skimmed milk left over from butter making, so the fat content stays low, and it carries a thick brownish-grey rind over a beige interior.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (France)
- Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (skimmed or unpasteurized)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (semi-soft, artisan)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (natural)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (several months)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Tomme de Savoie Cheese (grassy, nutty, tangy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Tomme de Savoie Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | France |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Savoy, French Alps, France |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Skimmed or unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semihard | Semi-soft, artisan |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Natural |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | Several months |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Grassy, nutty, tangy |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy character. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while Tomme de Savoie Cheese leans toward mild. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Tomme de Savoie Cheese at several months.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Tomme de Savoie 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-soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Tomme de Savoie Cheese brings grassy, nutty, tangy notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Tomme de Savoie 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-soft, artisan profile, Tomme de Savoie Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese fits dishes calling for grassy, nutty, tangy.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Tomme de Savoie Cheese several months.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is grassy, nutty, 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 Tomme de Savoie Cheese made of?
Tomme de Savoie Cheese is made from cow milk (skimmed or unpasteurized). It's typically aged several months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Tomme de Savoie Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Tomme de Savoie Cheese is semi-soft, artisan.