Havarti Cheese vs Iberico Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Havarti Cheese and Iberico Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Havarti Cheese and Iberico Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese and Iberico Cheese the same?"
- "How does Havarti Cheese compare to Iberico Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Havarti Cheese compare to Iberico Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese or Iberico Cheese better?"
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.
Iberico Cheese Overview
Queso Iberico is a hard cheese from Spain made using a blend of cow's, goat's, and sheep's milk. It can be crafted from either pasteurized or unpasteurized milk, contributing to its rich and aromatic profile. This cheese has a buttery and nutty flavor with a strong taste that captures the essence of its mixed milk origins. The cheese is typically white in color and features a natural rind. Known also as Iberico Cheese, it offers a satisfying density and a complex taste that pairs well with a variety of foods. Its rich aroma and firm texture make it a popular choice for cheese lovers seeking a traditional Spanish flavor.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Iberico Cheese originated from Spain.
Certification
Many cheeses have some kind of protected status that makes it so they can only be produced in a certain manner and location. Havarti Cheese has a PGI (2010). Iberico is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Iberico Cheese is made with cow, goat, and sheep milk that is typically pasteurized or unpasteurized.
Composition and Texture
Havarti Cheese has a fat content of max 50% moisture, min 23% fat and a moisture content of 40–45% (typically). Havarti's texture can be described as "smooth". Iberico's texture can be described as "hard".
Taste and Aroma
Havarti Cheese has a mild, buttery taste. Havarti's aroma can be described as "pungent aroma, earthy taste". Iberico Cheese has a buttery, nutty, strong taste. Iberico's aroma can be described as "aromatic, rich".
Appearance and Aging
Havarti Cheese's appearance is available in rectangular . Iberico Cheese has a color of white .
Rind and Rennet Type
Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind . Iberico Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Havarti is ranked #9 out of 996 types based on community views. Iberico is ranked #85 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
Havarti | Iberico | |
---|---|---|
Best Pairings | Kolsch, Pinot Gris, Riesling | Vinho Verde |
Other Good Pairings | 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 | No additional pairings listed. |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Havarti and Iberico pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
Havarti Cheese | Iberico Cheese | |
---|---|---|
Country of Origin | Denmark | Spain |
Specific Origin | No Specific Location | Not Specified |
Certification | PGI (2010) | Not Specified |
Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's, goat's and sheep's milk |
Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Pasteurized or unpasteurized |
Fat Content | Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat | Not Specified |
Moisture Content | 40–45% (Typically) | Not Specified |
Rind | Washed rind | Natural |
Texture | Smooth | Hard |
Taste | Mild, buttery | Buttery, nutty, strong |
Aroma | Pungent aroma, earthy taste | Aromatic, rich |
Colors | Not Specified | White |
Forms | Rectangular | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth cheese, go for Havarti. But if you enjoy a hard consistency, Iberico might be the better pick. Havarti has a mild, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Iberico offers a buttery, nutty, strong profile, ideal for different meals.