Cheddar Cheese vs Havarti Cheese

Cheddar Cheese

Havarti Cheese

In this article, we’ll explore the answers to the most common questions about Cheddar Cheese and Havarti Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Cheddar Cheese and Havarti Cheese?"
  • "Is Cheddar Cheese and Havarti Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Cheddar Cheese compare to Havarti Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Cheddar Cheese compare to Havarti Cheese?"
  • "Is Cheddar Cheese or Havarti Cheese better?"

Cheddar Cheese Overview

Cheddar cheese, perhaps the most famous cheese from England, originated in the village of Cheddar in Somerset. It ranges from mild to extra sharp, with aging times that can extend several years. Cheddar has a firm texture and a deep, nutty flavor that becomes increasingly complex as it matures.

Havarti Cheese Overview

Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cheese known for its creamy texture and mild, slightly tangy flavor. It is typically made from cow's milk and is a table cheese that can be sliced, grilled, or melted. Havarti may also be flavored with spices, herbs, or other additives to enhance its taste.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Ranking

Cheddar is ranked #1 out of 866 types based on community views.

Havarti is ranked #10 out of 866 types based on community views.

Country of Origin

Cheddar Cheese comes from England. Havarti Cheese originated from Denmark.

Certification

Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Cheddar is not a protected cheese. Havarti Cheese has a PGI (2010).

Milk Type and Treatment

Cheddar Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw, pasteurized, or thermized. Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Cheddar Cheese has a fat content of at least 50% fat in dry matter and a moisture content of up to 39%. Cheddar's texture can be described as "varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)". Havarti Cheese has a fat content of max 50% moisture, min 23% fat and a moisture content of up to 39%. Havarti's texture can be described as "smooth".

Flavor and Aroma

Cheddar Cheese has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory flavor. Cheddar's aroma can be described as "varies". Havarti Cheese has a mild, buttery flavor. Havarti's aroma can be described as "pungent aroma, earthy taste".

Appearance and Aging

Cheddar Cheese's appearance is colored natural or dyed orange , is available in tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks and is aged a few months to several years . Havarti Cheese comes in rectangular .

Rind and Rennet Type

Cheddar Cheese's rind is described as varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) . Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind .

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Cheddar Cheese Havarti Cheese
Country of Origin England Denmark
Specific Origin Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) No Specific Location
Certification None PGI (2010)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized Pasteurized
Fat Content At least 50% fat in dry matter Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat
Moisture Content Up to 39% 40–45% (Typically)
Rind Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) Washed rind
Texture Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) Smooth
Flavor Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory Mild, buttery
Aroma Varies Pungent aroma, earthy taste
Colors Natural or dyed orange None
Forms Tiny truckles to 650-pound blocks Rectangular
Age A few months to several years None

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go for Cheddar. But if you enjoy a smooth consistency, Havarti might be the better pick. Cheddar has a mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory flavor, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Havarti offers a mild, buttery profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Cheddar Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Havarti Cheese to Other Cheeses

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