Edam Cheese vs Havarti Cheese

Edam Cheese

Havarti Cheese

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

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

Edam Cheese Overview

Edam is a semi-hard Dutch cheese that is recognizable by its typically red or yellow wax coating. Made from partially skimmed cow's milk, it has a mild, slightly salty flavor and a firm but creamy texture. Edam ages well and does not spoil; instead, it hardens, which makes it an excellent cheese for long-term storage.

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

Edam Cheese comes from Netherlands. 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. Edam is not a protected cheese. Havarti Cheese has a PGI (2010).

Milk Type and Treatment

Edam Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.

Composition and Texture

Edam's texture can be described as "rubber-textured to crystalline". 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

Edam Cheese has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste. Havarti Cheese has a mild, buttery taste. Havarti's aroma can be described as "pungent aroma, earthy taste".

Appearance and Aging

Edam Cheese's appearance is colored red , is available in round and is aged 3 months to longer . Havarti Cheese comes in rectangular .

Rind and Rennet Type

Edam Cheese's rind is described as smooth, waxed . Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind .

Ranking

Edam is ranked #15 out of 996 types based on community views. Havarti is ranked #11 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Edam Havarti
Best Pairings No pairings listed. 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 Edam and Havarti pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Edam Cheese Havarti Cheese
Country of Origin Netherlands Denmark
Specific Origin North Of Holland No Specific Location
Certification Not Specified PGI (2010)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Pasteurized
Fat Content Not Specified Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat
Moisture Content Not Specified 40–45% (Typically)
Rind Smooth, waxed Washed rind
Texture Rubber-textured to crystalline Smooth
Taste Sweet, milky, nutty, buttery Mild, buttery
Aroma Not Specified Pungent aroma, earthy taste
Colors Red Not Specified
Forms Round Rectangular
Age 3 months to longer Not Specified

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a rubber-textured to crystalline cheese, go for Edam. But if you enjoy a smooth consistency, Havarti might be the better pick. Edam has a sweet, milky, nutty, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Havarti offers a mild, buttery profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Edam Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Havarti Cheese to Other Cheeses

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