Jarlsberg ( , ) is a Norwegian mild Swiss-type cheese made from cow's milk. It originates in the former countship of Jarlsberg and is distinguished by medium to large holes. Some variations are aged a minimum of 9, 12 or 15 months. It is usually produced in wheels with an approximate diameter of and a height of .

History

The history of this cheese can be traced back to the middle 1850s. Anders Larsen Bakke (1815–1899), a farmer and pioneer in Norway's dairy industry, produced cheese in the village of Våle in what was then the county of Jarlsberg and Larviks Amt (now Vestfold), south of Oslo. Ystgaard's interest was sparked by the thesis of a dairy sciences student, Per Sakshaug, on the cheese historically made in Vestfold. The recipe was developed from formulae originating with Swiss cheesemakers who moved to Norway at that time.

Production and distribution

"Jarlsberg" is a trademark first registered by Tine SA in 1972, and the exact nature and formula for the process of making Jarlsberg cheese is a trade secret. Jarlsberg cheese accounts for 80% of Tine's total exports. Tine's United States subsidiary, Norseland, has sold 150 million wheels of Jarlsberg cheese in the U.S. . It is also produced in Ireland by Dairygold. Jarlsberg cheese is also popular in Australia.

Jarlsberg is used as the topping for Grandiosa, the best-selling frozen pizza in Norway.

See also

  • Emmental cheese
  • Leerdammer
  • List of cheeses
  • Maasdam cheese
  • Norvegia

References

  • Jarlsberg.com site of brand owner.