Jersey cheese owes its remarkably full flavor and golden-yellow color to the extraordinary milk of Jersey cows. No other dairy breed produces milk this rich, and you can taste it in every bite. In this article, you’ll learn exactly what Jersey cheese is, where the breed comes from, how its flavor develops and how to serve it at its best.
What is Jersey cheese?
Jersey cheese is a Dutch cheese made exclusively from the milk of Jersey cows. The base recipe follows that of a classic Goudse kaas: a 48+ hard cheese made with rennet, curd and brine. The difference, then, is not in the method but in the milk. And it’s precisely that milk that makes Jersey cheese so special.
The higher concentrations of fat and protein give the cheese a naturally creamier character than a cheese made from regular cow’s milk. The color is a striking warm golden-yellow, with no added coloring. That comes from the high level of beta-carotene in the milk.
The Jersey cow: small breed, rich milk
The Jersey is one of the oldest dairy breeds in the world. It originates from the British island of Jersey, in the Channel between England and France. Jersey cows are smaller than the well-known black-and-white Holstein-Friesian and also produce less milk, roughly a third less per cow.
What they lack in volume, they more than make up for in quality. Jersey milk contains up to 30% more fat and around 20% more protein than average cow’s milk. For cheesemakers, that’s invaluable: more fat and protein per liter of milk means more flavor, more body and a creamier texture in the finished cheese.
Flavor and texture
The flavor of Jersey cheese is best described as full, creamy and lightly buttery. With a mature ripening, nutty notes emerge alongside a gentle herbaceousness. The longer the cheese ages, the more intense the flavor and the firmer the texture, without ever losing that characteristic creaminess.
The texture is smooth and slices beautifully. That makes Jersey cheese an excellent choice for both sandwiches and the cheese board.
Jersey cheese varieties in our range
At Cheese In A Box you’ll find three varieties of Jersey cheese, each with its own character:
- Jersey creamy mature: soft and mild, with that signature full Jersey creaminess. A lovely cheese for anyone who enjoys approachable flavors.
- Jersey cheese mature: the classic middle ground. Full, well-balanced flavor with nutty notes and a smooth texture.
- Jersey full spicy: aged longer, with more character and a pleasantly spicy finish. For lovers of bold cheeses.
How to serve Jersey cheese
Jersey cheese is wonderfully versatile. A few suggestions:
- On bread: thin slices on a hearty sandwich, optionally with a little mustard, fig jam or chutney.
- On the cheese board: pair with grapes, walnuts and honey. Also check out our article on putting together the perfect cheese board.
- In the kitchen: melted in a toasted sandwich, in a quiche or grated over pasta.
- With drinks: cubes with a good mustard or a glass of dry white wine. For more inspiration, see pairing cheese and wine.
The full flavor of Jersey cheese calls for drinks that can hold their own: a rounded Merlot, a fruity wheat beer or a glass of dry apple cider all work beautifully. With the spicier variety, a lightly sweet dessert wine also pairs surprisingly well.
Storage and shelf life
Store Jersey cheese in the refrigerator, wrapped in cheese paper or plastic wrap. Take it out half an hour before serving, because the full aroma really comes into its own at room temperature. Vacuum-sealed Jersey cheese keeps for several weeks in the fridge. Once opened, the cheese is best enjoyed within five to seven days.
Try Jersey cheese for yourself
Want to experience the difference between Jersey cheese and a regular Gouda for yourself? At Cheese In A Box you’ll find all three Jersey varieties, freshly cut and carefully packed. Prefer a monthly surprise with a rotating selection? Go for a cheese subscription and discover new artisanal cheeses every month.
