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Halloumi Cheese vs Havarti Cheese
Halloumi Cheese
Havarti Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Halloumi Cheese and Havarti Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Halloumi Cheese and Havarti Cheese?"
- "Is Halloumi Cheese and Havarti Cheese the same?"
- "How does Halloumi Cheese compare to Havarti Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Halloumi Cheese compare to Havarti Cheese?"
- "Is Halloumi Cheese or Havarti Cheese better?"
Halloumi Cheese Overview
Halloumi is a semi-hard, unripened brined cheese from Cyprus, made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also cow’s milk. Renowned for its high melting point, Halloumi can be grilled or fried to a crispy exterior with a soft, chewy interior. It has a salty flavor and is often enjoyed with a squeeze of lemon.
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
Halloumi Cheese comes from Cyprus. 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. Halloumi Cheese has a PDO (2014). Havarti Cheese has a PGI (2010).
Milk Type and Treatment
Halloumi Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk. Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Halloumi's texture can be described as "semihard". Havarti Cheese has a fat content of max 50% moisture, min 23% fat and a moisture content of none. Havarti's texture can be described as "smooth".
Taste and Aroma
Halloumi Cheese has a mild, salty taste. Halloumi's aroma can be described as "strong". Havarti Cheese has a mild, buttery taste. Havarti's aroma can be described as "pungent aroma, earthy taste".
Appearance and Aging
Halloumi Cheese's appearance is colored white to light yellow and is aged 40 days . Havarti Cheese comes in rectangular .
Rind and Rennet Type
Halloumi Cheese's rind is described as no rind and uses animal rennet. Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind .
Ranking
Halloumi is ranked #100 out of 996 types based on community views. Havarti is ranked #8 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Halloumi | Havarti | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | No pairings listed. | Kolsch, Pinot Gris, Riesling |
| Other Good Pairings | No additional pairings listed. | 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 Halloumi and Havarti pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Halloumi Cheese | Havarti Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Cyprus | Denmark |
| Specific Origin | Cyprus | No Specific Location |
| Certification | PDO (2014) | PGI (2010) |
| Milk Type | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Not Specified | Pasteurized |
| Fat Content | Not Specified | Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat |
| Moisture Content | Not Specified | 40–45% (Typically) |
| Rind | No rind | Washed rind |
| Texture | Semihard | Smooth |
| Taste | Mild, salty | Mild, buttery |
| Aroma | Strong | Pungent aroma, earthy taste |
| Colors | White to light yellow | Not Specified |
| Forms | Not Specified | Rectangular |
| Age | 40 days | Not Specified |
| Rennet Type | Animal | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a semihard cheese, go for Halloumi. But if you enjoy a smooth consistency, Havarti might be the better pick. Halloumi has a mild, salty taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Havarti offers a mild, buttery profile, ideal for different meals.
