Jarlsberg Cheese vs Queijo do Pico
Jarlsberg Cheese is a semihard cow-milk cheese from Norway, while Queijo do Pico is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Portugal.
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 Queijo do Pico?
Queijo do Pico is a cured cow's milk cheese from the island of Pico in the Azores. It cures for 20 to 30 days into a flat cylinder with a yellow crust and a soft, pasty interior, and it has carried EU protected origin status since 1996.
What's the Difference Between Jarlsberg Cheese and Queijo do Pico?
- Origin: Jarlsberg Cheese (Norway), Queijo do Pico (Portugal)
- Milk treatment: Jarlsberg Cheese (pasteurized), Queijo do Pico (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Jarlsberg Cheese (Semihard), Queijo do Pico (soft)
- Rind: Jarlsberg Cheese (Plastic-covered), Queijo do Pico (natural)
- Aging: Jarlsberg Cheese (Three months to twelve months), Queijo do Pico (20 to 30 days)
- Taste: Jarlsberg Cheese (Mild, sweet, nutty), Queijo do Pico (creamy, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jarlsberg Cheese | Queijo do Pico | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Norway | Portugal |
| Specific Origin | Jarlsberg, Vestfold, Norway | Azores |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Semihard | Soft |
| Rind | Plastic-covered | Natural |
| Aging | Three months to twelve months | 20 to 30 days |
| Taste | Mild, sweet, nutty | Creamy, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Jarlsberg Cheese Taste Like Queijo do Pico?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Queijo do Pico brings creamy, salty character. On the nose, Jarlsberg Cheese offers mild, buttery, contrasted with Queijo do Pico's aromatic, pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Jarlsberg Cheese at three months to twelve months develops a different profile than Queijo do Pico at 20 to 30 days.
Can You Substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Queijo do Pico?
In most recipes, Jarlsberg Cheese and Queijo do Pico 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. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty while Queijo do Pico brings creamy, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Jarlsberg Cheese or Queijo do Pico?
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 profile, Queijo do Pico is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Jarlsberg Cheese suits recipes that want mild, sweet, nutty notes, while Queijo do Pico fits dishes calling for creamy, salty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jarlsberg Cheese the same as Queijo do Pico?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Jarlsberg Cheese originates in Norway, while Queijo do Pico comes from Portugal. Aging also differs: Jarlsberg Cheese is typically aged three months to twelve months, Queijo do Pico 20 to 30 days.
Is Jarlsberg Cheese similar to Queijo do Pico?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Jarlsberg Cheese for Queijo do Pico?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Jarlsberg Cheese taste like Queijo do Pico?
Jarlsberg Cheese reads as mild, sweet, nutty, while Queijo do Pico is creamy, salty. Aromas also diverge. Jarlsberg Cheese leans mild, buttery, and Queijo do Pico is closer to aromatic, pleasant.
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 Queijo do Pico made of?
Queijo do Pico is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 20 to 30 days. It originates in Portugal.
Which should I choose, Jarlsberg Cheese or Queijo do Pico?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Jarlsberg Cheese is semihard, while Queijo do Pico is soft.