Fleur du Maquis Cheese vs Havarti Cheese

Fleur du Maquis Cheese is a semi-soft, artisan sheep-milk cheese from France, while Havarti Cheese is smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Denmark.

What Is Fleur du Maquis Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis, also sold as Brin d'amour, is a Corsican raw sheep's milk cheese created in the 1950s. Its natural rind is dusted with maquis herbs, which the paste absorbs as it ages.

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 Fleur du Maquis Cheese and Havarti Cheese?

• Origin: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (France), Havarti Cheese (Denmark)
• Milk type: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (sheep's milk), Havarti Cheese (cow's milk)
• Milk treatment: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (raw), Havarti Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (semi-soft, artisan), Havarti Cheese (Smooth)
• Rind: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (natural, coated in maquis herbs), Havarti Cheese (rindless)
• Aging: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (1 to 3 months), Havarti Cheese (about 3 months)
• Taste: Fleur du Maquis Cheese (citrusy, mild), Havarti Cheese (Mild, buttery)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Fleur du Maquis Cheese Taste Like Havarti Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild, while Havarti Cheese brings mild, buttery character. On the nose, Fleur du Maquis Cheese offers herbal, contrasted with Havarti Cheese's buttery. Aging plays into this as well. Fleur du Maquis Cheese at 1 to 3 months develops a different profile than Havarti Cheese at about 3 months.

Can You Substitute Fleur du Maquis Cheese for Havarti Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese can stand in for Havarti Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect semi-soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for smooth. Flavor-wise, Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild while Havarti Cheese brings mild, buttery notes.

Which Is Better, Fleur du Maquis Cheese or Havarti Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a semi-soft, artisan cheese, go with Fleur du Maquis Cheese. For a smooth profile, Havarti Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fleur du Maquis Cheese suits recipes that want citrusy, mild notes, while Havarti Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, buttery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fleur du Maquis Cheese the same as Havarti Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Fleur du Maquis Cheese originates in France, while Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Fleur du Maquis Cheese is made from sheep milk; Havarti Cheese uses cow. Aging also differs: Fleur du Maquis Cheese is typically aged 1 to 3 months, Havarti Cheese about 3 months.

Is Fleur du Maquis Cheese similar to Havarti Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Fleur du Maquis Cheese for Havarti Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Fleur du Maquis Cheese taste like Havarti Cheese?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese reads as citrusy, mild, while Havarti Cheese is mild, buttery. Aromas also diverge. Fleur du Maquis Cheese leans herbal, and Havarti Cheese is closer to buttery.

What is Fleur du Maquis Cheese made of?

Fleur du Maquis Cheese is made from sheep milk (raw). It's typically aged 1 to 3 months. 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, Fleur du Maquis Cheese or Havarti Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fleur du Maquis Cheese is semi-soft, artisan, while Havarti Cheese is smooth.