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Comté Cheese vs Havarti Cheese
Comté Cheese
Havarti Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Comté Cheese and Havarti Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Comté Cheese and Havarti Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese and Havarti Cheese the same?"
- "How does Comté Cheese compare to Havarti Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Comté Cheese compare to Havarti Cheese?"
- "Is Comté Cheese or Havarti Cheese better?"
Comté Cheese Overview
Comté is a French cheese made from cow's milk in the Jura region of France. It is one of the most popular AOC (Appellation d'Origine Contrôlée) cheeses, known for its complex flavors which can include hints of apricot, chocolate, butter, cream, hazelnuts, and toast. Comté is aged for a minimum of four months, with some wheels maturing for over a year to develop a deeper flavor profile.
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
Country of Origin
Comté Cheese comes from France. 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. Comté Cheese has a PDO (1996), AOC (1958). Havarti Cheese has a PGI (2010).
Milk Type and Treatment
Comté Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw. Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Comté's texture can be described as "smooth; semi-hard". Havarti Cheese has a fat content of max 50% moisture, min 23% fat and a moisture content of none. Havarti's texture can be described as "smooth".
Taste and Aroma
Comté Cheese has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste. Havarti Cheese has a mild, buttery taste. Havarti's aroma can be described as "pungent aroma, earthy taste".
Appearance and Aging
Comté Cheese's appearance is colored pale yellow , is available in wide, flat wheels and is aged 4 months to 3 years . Havarti Cheese comes in rectangular .
Rind and Rennet Type
Comté Cheese's rind is described as natural . Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind .
Ranking
Comté is ranked #72 out of 996 types based on community views. Havarti is ranked #8 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Comté | Havarti | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | White Burgundy | Kolsch, Pinot Gris, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | Chardonnay | Apples, Asian Pear, Asparagus, Belgian Blonde, California Viogniers, Champagne, Crackers, Dirty Martini, Green Apple, Green Tea, Grilled Cheese, Hard Cider, IPA, Kombucha, Pistachios, Sauvignon Blanc, Shrimp, Sparkling Rosé, Viognier |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Comté and Havarti pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Comté Cheese | Havarti Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Denmark |
| Specific Origin | Massif Du Jura | No Specific Location |
| Certification | PDO (1996), AOC (1958) | PGI (2010) |
| Milk Type | Cow's Milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | 40–45% (Typically) |
| Rind | Natural | Washed rind |
| Texture | Smooth; Semi-hard | Smooth |
| Taste | Nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted | Mild, buttery |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Pungent aroma, earthy taste |
| Colors | Pale yellow | Not Specified |
| Forms | Wide, flat wheels | Rectangular |
| Age | 4 months to 3 years | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth; semi-hard cheese, go for Comté. But if you enjoy a smooth consistency, Havarti might be the better pick. Comté has a nutty, creamy, sweet to meaty, roasted taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Havarti offers a mild, buttery profile, ideal for different meals.
