Harzer Cheese vs Reblochon Cheese
Harzer Cheese is a firm cow-milk cheese from Germany, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple and made from cow milk, originating in France.
What Is Harzer Cheese?
Harzer is a German sour milk cheese from the Harz mountains, made from low fat curd cheese and usually seasoned with caraway. It is known for its strong smell and flavor, almost no fat, and about 30% protein.
What Is Reblochon Cheese?
Reblochon is a soft, washed-rind cheese made from raw cow's milk in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps. It tastes nutty, holds an AOC designation, and is the cheese that makes tartiflette work.
What's the Difference Between Harzer Cheese and Reblochon Cheese?
- Origin: Harzer Cheese (Germany), Reblochon Cheese (France)
- Texture: Harzer Cheese (firm), Reblochon Cheese (Ivory-colored, creamy and supple)
- Rind: Harzer Cheese (white mold or red mold), Reblochon Cheese (Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold)
- Aging: Harzer Cheese (a few days to a few weeks), Reblochon Cheese (3 to 4 months)
- Taste: Harzer Cheese (tangy), Reblochon Cheese (creamy, nutty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Harzer Cheese | Reblochon Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Germany | France |
| Specific Origin | Harz Mountain Region, Germany | Haute-Savoie And Savoie |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Raw whole cow’s milk |
| Milk Treatment | — | Raw |
| Texture | Firm | Ivory-colored, creamy and supple |
| Rind | White mold or red mold | Yellow-orange covered with a thin white mold |
| Aging | A few days to a few weeks | 3 to 4 months |
| Taste | Tangy | Creamy, nutty |
Taste Comparison: Does Harzer Cheese Taste Like Reblochon Cheese?
Harzer Cheese reads as tangy, while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty character. More specifically, Harzer Cheese shows sour and distinctly strong, usually seasoned with caraway; red mold types stronger, while Reblochon Cheese leans toward nutty taste that lingers in the mouth. Aging plays into this as well. Harzer Cheese at a few days to a few weeks develops a different profile than Reblochon Cheese at 3 to 4 months.
Can You Substitute Harzer Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?
In most recipes, Harzer Cheese and Reblochon Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect firm bite and body where the recipe calls for ivory-colored, creamy and supple. Flavor-wise, Harzer Cheese reads as tangy while Reblochon Cheese brings creamy, nutty notes.
Which Is Better, Harzer Cheese or Reblochon Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a firm cheese, go with Harzer Cheese. For a ivory-colored, creamy and supple profile, Reblochon Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Harzer Cheese suits recipes that want tangy notes, while Reblochon Cheese fits dishes calling for creamy, nutty.
Which is your favorite?
One click, anonymous. See what others chose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Harzer Cheese the same as Reblochon Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Harzer Cheese originates in Germany, while Reblochon Cheese comes from France. Aging also differs: Harzer Cheese is typically aged a few days to a few weeks, Reblochon Cheese 3 to 4 months.
Is Harzer Cheese similar to Reblochon Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Harzer Cheese for Reblochon Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Harzer Cheese taste like Reblochon Cheese?
Harzer Cheese reads as tangy, while Reblochon Cheese is creamy, nutty.
What is Harzer Cheese made of?
Harzer Cheese is made from cow milk. It's typically aged a few days to a few weeks. It originates in Germany.
What is Reblochon Cheese made of?
Reblochon Cheese is made from cow milk (raw), using natural rennet. It's typically aged 3 to 4 months. It originates in France.
Which should I choose, Harzer Cheese or Reblochon Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Harzer Cheese is firm, while Reblochon Cheese is ivory-colored, creamy and supple.