Jarlsberg Cheese vs West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm and made from cow milk.
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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar is a firm cow's milk cheese made by traditional methods in Somerset, Devon, Dorset and Cornwall. Its name has been protected in the EU and UK since 2007, and only milk from those four counties may be used.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Firm)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (cloth-wrapped)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Minimum 9 months)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese (Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | — |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Dorset, Somerset, Devon And Cornwall |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Semihard | Firm |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Cloth-wrapped |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | Minimum 9 months |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness character. More specifically, Jarlsberg Cheese shows known for its mild, sweet, and nutty flavor and large eyes., while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese leans toward sharp and pungent, often slightly earthy, with a hazelnut note and large calcium lactate crystals when well matured. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese at minimum 9 months.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese brings nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar 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 firm profile, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese fits dishes calling for nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese minimum 9 months.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is nutty, full-rounded with a hint of sharpness.
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 West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese made of?
West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using animal rennet. It's typically aged minimum 9 months.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while West Country Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese is firm.