Log In
Explore
Cheeses
Cheesemakers
Types
Pairings
Cheese Map
Havarti Cheese vs Parmesan Cheese
Havarti Cheese
Parmesan Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Havarti Cheese and Parmesan Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Havarti Cheese and Parmesan Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese and Parmesan Cheese the same?"
- "How does Havarti Cheese compare to Parmesan Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Havarti Cheese compare to Parmesan Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese or Parmesan 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.
Parmesan Cheese Overview
Parmesan, often referred to by its Italian name, Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, granular cheese known for its rich flavor and grainy texture. Made from cow's milk, it's aged for a minimum of 12 months, often much longer, to develop its distinct nutty and savory profile. Parmesan is a staple in Italian cuisine, commonly grated over pasta dishes, stirred into soups, or eaten on its own.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Parmesan Cheese originated from Italy.
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). Parmesan is not a protected cheese.
Milk Type and Treatment
Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Parmesan 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". Parmesan's texture can be described as "hard, artisan".
Taste and Aroma
Havarti Cheese has a mild, buttery taste. Havarti's aroma can be described as "pungent aroma, earthy taste". Parmesan Cheese has a salty, savory taste. Parmesan's aroma can be described as "nutty, strong".
Appearance and Aging
Havarti Cheese's appearance is available in rectangular . Parmesan Cheese has a color of straw .
Rind and Rennet Type
Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind . Parmesan Cheese's rind is described as natural .
Ranking
Havarti is ranked #11 out of 996 types based on community views. Parmesan is ranked #35 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Havarti | Parmesan | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Shrimp |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Havarti and Parmesan pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Havarti Cheese | Parmesan Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark | Italy |
| Specific Origin | No Specific Location | Not Specified |
| Certification | PGI (2010) | Not Specified |
| 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 | Natural |
| Texture | Smooth | Hard, artisan |
| Taste | Mild, buttery | Salty, savory |
| Aroma | Pungent aroma, earthy taste | Nutty, strong |
| Colors | Not Specified | Straw |
| Forms | Rectangular | Not Specified |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth cheese, go for Havarti. But if you enjoy a hard, artisan consistency, Parmesan might be the better pick. Havarti has a mild, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Parmesan offers a salty, savory profile, ideal for different meals.
