Brie de Melun Cheese vs Havarti Cheese
Brie de Melun Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from France, while Havarti Cheese is smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Denmark.
What Is Brie de Melun Cheese?
Brie de Melun is a soft unpasteurised cow's milk cheese from the Brie region of France, one of only two bries the French government certifies. It is smaller than Brie de Meaux, with a stronger flavour and a more pungent smell, and has held AOC status since 1980.
What Is Havarti Cheese?
Havarti is a semisoft Danish cow's milk cheese, mild and buttery with very small irregular eyes running through a rindless, cream to yellow paste. It slices, grills, and melts, and the EU reserved the name for Denmark in 2019.
What's the Difference Between Brie de Melun Cheese and Havarti Cheese?
- Origin: Brie de Melun Cheese (France), Havarti Cheese (Denmark)
- Milk treatment: Brie de Melun Cheese (unpasteurized), Havarti Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Brie de Melun Cheese (Soft), Havarti Cheese (Smooth)
- Rind: Brie de Melun Cheese (Bloomy), Havarti Cheese (rindless)
- Aging: Brie de Melun Cheese (at least four or five weeks), Havarti Cheese (about 3 months)
- Taste: Brie de Melun Cheese (salty, sharp, sour, strong), Havarti Cheese (Mild, buttery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Brie de Melun Cheese | Havarti Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Denmark |
| Specific Origin | Melun | Denmark |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Smooth |
| Rind | Bloomy | Rindless |
| Aging | At least four or five weeks | About 3 months |
| Taste | Salty, sharp, sour, strong | Mild, buttery |
Taste Comparison: Does Brie de Melun Cheese Taste Like Havarti Cheese?
Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Havarti Cheese brings mild, buttery character. On the nose, Brie de Melun Cheese offers grassy, musty, contrasted with Havarti Cheese's buttery. More specifically, Brie de Melun Cheese shows creamy, nutty, mushroom-like, slightly acidic, while Havarti Cheese leans toward mild, buttery, slightly acidic cheese known for its irregularly shaped small holes creating a lacy appearance. smooth and firm texture, can be complimented with herbs or jalapeño peppers. variants include creamy versions with up to 65% fat on dry matter basis. manufactured in denmark, united kingdom, canada, and the united states, including artisanal and mass-produced by arla foods and costello.. Aging plays into this as well. Brie de Melun Cheese at at least four or five weeks develops a different profile than Havarti Cheese at about 3 months.
Can You Substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Havarti Cheese?
In most recipes, Brie de Melun Cheese and Havarti Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for smooth. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong while Havarti Cheese brings mild, buttery notes.
Which Is Better, Brie de Melun Cheese or Havarti Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Brie de Melun Cheese. For a smooth profile, Havarti Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Brie de Melun Cheese suits recipes that want salty, sharp, sour, strong notes, while Havarti Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, buttery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Brie de Melun Cheese the same as Havarti Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Brie de Melun Cheese originates in France, while Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Aging also differs: Brie de Melun Cheese is typically aged at least four or five weeks, Havarti Cheese about 3 months.
Is Brie de Melun Cheese similar to Havarti Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Brie de Melun Cheese for Havarti Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Brie de Melun Cheese taste like Havarti Cheese?
Brie de Melun Cheese reads as salty, sharp, sour, strong, while Havarti Cheese is mild, buttery. Aromas also diverge. Brie de Melun Cheese leans grassy, musty, and Havarti Cheese is closer to buttery.
What is Brie de Melun Cheese made of?
Brie de Melun Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged at least four or five weeks. It originates in France.
What is Havarti Cheese made of?
Havarti Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged about 3 months. It originates in Denmark.
Which should I choose, Brie de Melun Cheese or Havarti Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Brie de Melun Cheese is soft, while Havarti Cheese is smooth.