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Gouda Cheese vs Havarti Cheese
Gouda Cheese
Havarti Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Gouda Cheese and Havarti Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Gouda Cheese and Havarti Cheese?"
- "Is Gouda Cheese and Havarti Cheese the same?"
- "How does Gouda Cheese compare to Havarti Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Gouda Cheese compare to Havarti Cheese?"
- "Is Gouda Cheese or Havarti Cheese better?"
Gouda Cheese Overview
Gouda is a famous Dutch cheese named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is typically made from cow's milk and aged to develop a rich, caramel-like sweetness with a smooth, firm texture. Young Gouda is mild and creamy, while aged Gouda becomes hard and crumbly with intense flavors.
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
Gouda Cheese comes from Netherlands. 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. Gouda is not a protected cheese. Havarti Cheese has a PGI (2010).
Milk Type and Treatment
Gouda Cheese is made with cow, goat, or sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized. Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Gouda Cheese has a moisture content of reduced by scalding. Gouda's texture can be described as "varies". Havarti Cheese has a fat content of max 50% moisture, min 23% fat and a moisture content of reduced by scalding. Havarti's texture can be described as "smooth".
Taste and Aroma
Gouda Cheese has a sweet to nutty taste. Havarti Cheese has a mild, buttery taste. Havarti's aroma can be described as "pungent aroma, earthy taste".
Appearance and Aging
Gouda Cheese's appearance is colored yellow , is available in large wheels and is aged varies . Havarti Cheese comes in rectangular .
Rind and Rennet Type
Gouda Cheese's rind is described as durable . Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind .
Ranking
Gouda is ranked #2 out of 996 types based on community views. Havarti is ranked #9 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Gouda | Havarti | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Kolsch, Pinot Gris, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | Hard Cider | 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 Gouda and Havarti pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Gouda Cheese | Havarti Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Netherlands | Denmark |
| Specific Origin | Southern Holland | No Specific Location |
| Certification | Not Specified | PGI (2010) |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized or unpasteurized | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat |
| Moisture Content | Reduced by scalding | 40â45% (Typically) |
| Rind | Durable | Washed rind |
| Texture | Varies | Smooth |
| Taste | Sweet to nutty | Mild, buttery |
| Aroma | Not Specified | Pungent aroma, earthy taste |
| Colors | Yellow | Not Specified |
| Forms | Large wheels | Rectangular |
| Age | Varies | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a varies cheese, go for Gouda. But if you enjoy a smooth consistency, Havarti might be the better pick. Gouda has a sweet to nutty taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Havarti offers a mild, buttery profile, ideal for different meals.
