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Feta Cheese vs Havarti Cheese
Feta Cheese
Havarti Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Feta Cheese and Havarti Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Feta Cheese and Havarti Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese and Havarti Cheese the same?"
- "How does Feta Cheese compare to Havarti Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Feta Cheese compare to Havarti Cheese?"
- "Is Feta Cheese or Havarti Cheese better?"
Feta Cheese Overview
Feta is a brined curd white cheese from Greece, made traditionally from sheep's milk, or from a mixture of sheep and goat's milk. It is crumbly with a slightly grainy texture and has a salty, tangy flavor. Feta is commonly used in salads, pastries, and as a table cheese, and is central to Greek cuisine.
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
Feta Cheese comes from Greece. 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. Feta Cheese has a PDO (2002). Havarti Cheese has a PGI (2010).
Milk Type and Treatment
Feta Cheese is made with goat and sheep milk that is typically raw or pasteurized. Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Feta Cheese has a moisture content of high. Feta's texture can be described as "soft, white, aged in brine". Havarti Cheese has a fat content of max 50% moisture, min 23% fat and a moisture content of high. Havarti's texture can be described as "smooth".
Taste and Aroma
Feta Cheese has a sharp to mild taste. Feta's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong". Havarti Cheese has a mild, buttery taste. Havarti's aroma can be described as "pungent aroma, earthy taste".
Appearance and Aging
Feta Cheese's appearance is colored white , is available in blocks submerged in brine, barrels and is aged 2 months to longer . Havarti Cheese comes in rectangular .
Rind and Rennet Type
Feta Cheese's rind is described as none . Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind .
Ranking
Feta is ranked #24 out of 996 types based on community views. Havarti is ranked #10 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Feta | Havarti | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Albariño, Asparagus, Avocado, Cod, Dirty Martini, Green Tea, Kiwi, Kolsch, Kombucha, Mangoes, Muscat, Pesto, Pinot Grigio, Pistachios, Pumpkin, Riesling, Roasted Vegetables, Salmon, Sauvignon Blanc, Seaweed, Shrimp, Sweet Potato, Tomatoes | Kolsch, Pinot Gris, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | Beaujolais, Cabernet Franc, California Viogniers, Chicken, Dried Cranberries, Fruit Compote, Gamay, German Riesling, Grüner Veltliner, Muscat, Pinot Gris, Prosecco, Raspberry, Sparkling Rosé, Strawberries, Tacos, Tequila, Tuna, Viognier | 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 Feta and Havarti pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feta Cheese | Havarti Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Greece | Denmark |
| Specific Origin | Throughout Greece | No Specific Location |
| Certification | PDO (2002) | PGI (2010) |
| Milk Type | Goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized, sometimes raw | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat |
| Moisture Content | High | 40–45% (Typically) |
| Rind | None | Washed rind |
| Texture | Soft, white, aged in brine | Smooth |
| Taste | Sharp to mild | Mild, buttery |
| Aroma | Nutty, strong | Pungent aroma, earthy taste |
| Colors | White | Not Specified |
| Forms | Blocks submerged in brine, barrels | Rectangular |
| Age | 2 months to longer | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a soft, white, aged in brine cheese, go for Feta. But if you enjoy a smooth consistency, Havarti might be the better pick. Feta has a sharp to mild taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Havarti offers a mild, buttery profile, ideal for different meals.
