Brunost Cheese vs Selva Cheese

Brunost Cheese is a semi-soft, whey cow and goat-milk cheese from Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Selva Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Spain.

What Is Brunost Cheese?

Brunost, or "brown cheese," is a distinctly Norwegian dairy product, often classified as a cheese, though it differs from traditional cheeses. It is made by boiling down the whey of goat's milk, cow's milk, or a combination of both, until the water evaporates, and the natural milk sugars caramelize. This process gives Brunost its unique brown color, sweet caramel-like flavor, and fudge-like texture. It is commonly sliced thin and served on bread, crispbreads, or waffles.

What Is Selva Cheese?

Selva is a soft, artisan cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk in Fornells de la Selva, Gironès, Spain. It has a pale yellow color and a natural rind. The cheese features a balanced combination of bitter, buttery, and salty flavors, offering a pleasant taste experience. Its aroma is inviting, making it an appealing choice for cheese enthusiasts. With a fat content of 45%, Selva has a rich and creamy texture. This cheese is perfect for those who enjoy a mix of flavors in a soft cheese. It can be enjoyed on its own or paired with a variety of foods.

What's the Difference Between Brunost Cheese and Selva Cheese?

• Origin: Brunost Cheese (Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden), Selva Cheese (Spain)
• Milk type: Brunost Cheese (cow's and goat's milk), Selva Cheese (cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Brunost Cheese (pasteurized or unpasteurized), Selva Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Brunost Cheese (semi-soft, whey), Selva Cheese (soft, artisan)
• Taste: Brunost Cheese (caramel, sweet), Selva Cheese (bitter, buttery, salty)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Brunost Cheese Taste Like Selva Cheese?

Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Selva Cheese brings bitter, buttery, salty character.

Can You Substitute Brunost Cheese for Selva Cheese?

Brunost Cheese can stand in for Selva Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, whey bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet while Selva Cheese brings bitter, buttery, salty notes.

Which Is Better, Brunost Cheese or Selva Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, whey cheese, go with Brunost Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Selva Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brunost Cheese suits recipes that want caramel, sweet notes, while Selva Cheese fits dishes calling for bitter, buttery, salty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Brunost Cheese the same as Selva Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Brunost Cheese originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, while Selva Cheese comes from Spain. Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk; Selva Cheese uses cow.

Is Brunost Cheese similar to Selva Cheese?

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

Can I substitute Brunost Cheese for Selva Cheese?

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

Does Brunost Cheese taste like Selva Cheese?

Brunost Cheese reads as caramel, sweet, while Selva Cheese is bitter, buttery, salty.

What is Brunost Cheese made of?

Brunost Cheese is made from cow and goat milk (pasteurized or unpasteurized). It originates in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.

What is Selva Cheese made of?

Selva Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in Spain.

Which should I choose, Brunost Cheese or Selva Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brunost Cheese is semi-soft, whey, while Selva Cheese is soft, artisan.

See full profiles: Brunost Cheese and Selva Cheese.

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