Fromage de Herve Cheese vs Havarti Cheese

Fromage de Herve Cheese is a homogeneous, firm, unctuous cow-milk cheese, while Havarti Cheese is smooth and made from cow milk, originating in Denmark.

What Is Fromage de Herve Cheese?

Fromage de Herve is a Belgian washed-rind soft cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Herve area near Liege. Produced since the 15th century, it is best known for the powerful smell it develops as Brevibacterium linens works on the rind.

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 Fromage de Herve Cheese and Havarti Cheese?

• Texture: Fromage de Herve Cheese (Homogeneous, firm, unctuous), Havarti Cheese (Smooth)
• Rind: Fromage de Herve Cheese (Washed rind, brown, slightly rosy), Havarti Cheese (rindless)
• Aging: Fromage de Herve Cheese (Five to six weeks for "doux", two months for "piquant"), Havarti Cheese (about 3 months)
• Taste: Fromage de Herve Cheese (Mature, with varying degrees of ripeness), Havarti Cheese (Mild, buttery)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Fromage de Herve Cheese Taste Like Havarti Cheese?

Fromage de Herve Cheese reads as mature, with varying degrees of ripeness, while Havarti Cheese brings mild, buttery character. Aging plays into this as well. Fromage de Herve Cheese at five to six weeks for "doux", two months for "piquant" develops a different profile than Havarti Cheese at about 3 months.

Can You Substitute Fromage de Herve Cheese for Havarti Cheese?

In most recipes, Fromage de Herve Cheese and Havarti Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect homogeneous, firm, unctuous bite and body where the recipe calls for smooth. Flavor-wise, Fromage de Herve Cheese reads as mature, with varying degrees of ripeness while Havarti Cheese brings mild, buttery notes.

Which Is Better, Fromage de Herve Cheese or Havarti Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a homogeneous, firm, unctuous cheese, go with Fromage de Herve Cheese. For a smooth profile, Havarti Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Fromage de Herve Cheese suits recipes that want mature, with varying degrees of ripeness notes, while Havarti Cheese fits dishes calling for mild, buttery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Fromage de Herve Cheese the same as Havarti Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Aging also differs: Fromage de Herve Cheese is typically aged five to six weeks for "doux", two months for "piquant", Havarti Cheese about 3 months.

Is Fromage de Herve Cheese similar to Havarti Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Fromage de Herve Cheese for Havarti Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Fromage de Herve Cheese taste like Havarti Cheese?

Fromage de Herve Cheese reads as mature, with varying degrees of ripeness, while Havarti Cheese is mild, buttery.

What is Fromage de Herve Cheese made of?

Fromage de Herve Cheese is made from cow milk (untreated or pasteurized), using used to provoke curdling rennet. It's typically aged five to six weeks for "doux", two months for "piquant".

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, Fromage de Herve Cheese or Havarti Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Fromage de Herve Cheese is homogeneous, firm, unctuous, while Havarti Cheese is smooth.