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.

Compare Havarti Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Iberico Cheese to Other Cheeses

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