Figue Cheese vs Havarti Cheese
Figue Cheese is a soft, artisan goat-milk cheese from France, while Havarti Cheese is smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Denmark.
What Is Figue Cheese?
Figue is a soft, artisan cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk in the Provence region of France. It has a creamy white color and a natural rind. Known for its full-flavored and sour taste, Figue offers a rich experience for those who enjoy goat's milk cheeses. Its aromatic, milky scent enhances its appeal, making it a favorite among cheese enthusiasts. The cheese is often shaped like a small fig, which is reflected in its name. Enjoy it on a cheese board or paired with fresh bread and a glass of wine to appreciate its flavorful profile.
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 Figue Cheese and Havarti Cheese?
- Origin: Figue Cheese (France), Havarti Cheese (Denmark)
- Milk type: Figue Cheese (goat's milk), Havarti Cheese (cow's milk)
- Milk treatment: Figue Cheese (unpasteurized), Havarti Cheese (pasteurized)
- Texture: Figue Cheese (soft, artisan), Havarti Cheese (Smooth)
- Rind: Figue Cheese (natural), Havarti Cheese (rindless)
- Taste: Figue Cheese (full-flavored, sour), Havarti Cheese (Mild, buttery)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Figue Cheese | Havarti Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | France | Denmark |
| Specific Origin | Provence | Denmark |
| Milk Type | Goat's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Texture | Soft, artisan | Smooth |
| Rind | Natural | Rindless |
| Aging | — | About 3 months |
| Taste | Full-flavored, sour | Mild, buttery |
Taste Comparison: Does Figue Cheese Taste Like Havarti Cheese?
Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Havarti Cheese brings mild, buttery character. On the nose, Figue Cheese offers aromatic, milky, contrasted with Havarti Cheese's buttery.
Can You Substitute Figue Cheese for Havarti Cheese?
Figue Cheese can stand in for Havarti Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for smooth. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour while Havarti Cheese brings mild, buttery notes.
Which Is Better, Figue Cheese or Havarti Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft, artisan cheese, go with Figue Cheese. For a smooth profile, Havarti Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Figue Cheese suits recipes that want full-flavored, sour notes, while Havarti Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, buttery.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Figue Cheese the same as Havarti Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Figue Cheese originates in France, while Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Figue Cheese is made from goat milk; Havarti Cheese uses cow.
Is Figue Cheese similar to Havarti Cheese?
Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.
Can I substitute Figue Cheese for Havarti Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.
Does Figue Cheese taste like Havarti Cheese?
Figue Cheese reads as full-flavored, sour, while Havarti Cheese is mild, buttery. Aromas also diverge. Figue Cheese leans aromatic, milky, and Havarti Cheese is closer to buttery.
What is Figue Cheese made of?
Figue Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.
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, Figue Cheese or Havarti Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Figue Cheese is soft, artisan, while Havarti Cheese is smooth.