Exmoor Blue Cheese vs Havarti Cheese
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese, while Havarti Cheese is smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Denmark.
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What Is Exmoor Blue Cheese?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is a full-fat soft blue-veined cheese made from unpasteurized Jersey cow’s milk in Devon and Somerset, England. It has a rich yellow color and a buttery texture, with an average fat content of 34%. The cheese has been handmade on Willet Farm since 1986, using traditional methods. It undergoes a maturation period of 3 to 6 weeks, during which it is regularly turned and treated with Penicillium roqueforti and Penicillium candidum to develop its distinctive blue veining. The lush pasture of the region, influenced by the warm, wet climate and red sandstone soil, contributes to the rich flavor of the milk used in production.
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 Exmoor Blue Cheese and Havarti Cheese?
- Milk treatment: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Unpasteurized), Havarti Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Soft), Havarti Cheese (Smooth)
- Rind: Exmoor Blue Cheese (Treated with Penicillium candidum), Havarti Cheese (rindless)
- Aging: Exmoor Blue Cheese (3 to 6 weeks), Havarti Cheese (about 3 months)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Exmoor Blue Cheese | Havarti Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | — | Denmark |
| Specific Origin | Devon And Somerset, England | Denmark |
| Milk Type | Cow | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft | Smooth |
| Rind | Treated with Penicillium candidum | Rindless |
| Aging | 3 to 6 weeks | About 3 months |
| Taste | — | Mild, buttery |
Taste Comparison: Does Exmoor Blue Cheese Taste Like Havarti Cheese?
Their flavor profiles are distinct. Aging plays into this as well. Exmoor Blue Cheese at 3 to 6 weeks develops a different profile than Havarti Cheese at about 3 months.
Can You Substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Havarti Cheese?
In most recipes, Exmoor Blue 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.
Which Is Better, Exmoor Blue 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 Exmoor Blue Cheese. For a smooth profile, Havarti Cheese is the better fit.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese the same as Havarti Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Exmoor Blue Cheese is typically aged 3 to 6 weeks, Havarti Cheese about 3 months.
Is Exmoor Blue Cheese similar to Havarti Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Exmoor Blue Cheese for Havarti Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Exmoor Blue Cheese taste like Havarti Cheese?
They have distinct flavor profiles. The taste row in the table above is the best direct comparison.
What is Exmoor Blue Cheese made of?
Exmoor Blue Cheese is made from cow milk (unpasteurized), using vegetarian rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 6 weeks.
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, Exmoor Blue Cheese or Havarti Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Exmoor Blue Cheese is soft, while Havarti Cheese is smooth.