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.