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Havarti Cheese vs L'Etivaz Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Havarti Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Havarti Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese and L'Etivaz Cheese the same?"
- "How does Havarti Cheese compare to L'Etivaz Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Havarti Cheese compare to L'Etivaz Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese or L'Etivaz 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.
L'Etivaz Cheese Overview
L'Etivaz is a hard Alpine cheese from the Vaud region of Switzerland, similar to Gruyère but made in a more artisanal fashion. It is produced only from May to October, using milk from cows grazing on mountain pastures. The cheese has a complex flavor, with fruity, nutty notes and a hint of smokiness, developed during the traditional wood-fired production process.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. L'Etivaz Cheese originated from Switzerland.
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). L'Etivaz Cheese has a GI (2011).
Milk Type and Treatment
Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. L'Etivaz Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically 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". L'Etivaz'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". L'Etivaz's aroma can be described as "smokey".
Appearance and Aging
Havarti Cheese's appearance is available in rectangular . L'Etivaz Cheese has a color of pale yellow .
Rind and Rennet Type
Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind .
Ranking
Havarti is ranked #11 out of 996 types based on community views. L'Etivaz is ranked #75 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Havarti | L'Etivaz | |
|---|---|---|
| Best Pairings | Kolsch, Pinot Gris, Riesling | No pairings listed. |
| 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 L'Etivaz pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Havarti Cheese | L'Etivaz Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | No Specific Location | Not Specified |
| Certification | PGI (2010) | GI (2011) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Fat Content | Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | 40–45% (Typically) | Not Specified |
| Rind | Washed rind | Not Specified |
| Texture | Smooth | Hard |
| Taste | Mild, buttery | Not Specified |
| Aroma | Pungent aroma, earthy taste | Smokey |
| Colors | Not Specified | Pale yellow |
| 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, L'Etivaz might be the better pick.
