Havarti Cheese vs Picodon de Chevre Cheese

Havarti Cheese is a smooth cow-milk cheese from Denmark, while Picodon de Chevre Cheese is soft, artisan and made from goat milk, originating in France.

What Is Havarti Cheese?

Havarti is a semisoft Danish cow's milk cheese, mild and buttery with very small irregular eyes running through a rindless, cream to yellow paste. It slices, grills, and melts, and the EU reserved the name for Denmark in 2019.

What Is Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

Picodon de Chevre is a traditional French cheese made from unpasteurized goat's milk. It has a soft, artisan texture and a natural rind. The cheese is typically white in color and offers a flavor that balances sour and sweet notes. Its aroma is notably goaty and pungent, providing a strong sensory experience. Picodon de Chevre is recognized under several protected names, such as Picodon AOC, Picodon PDO, and Picodon AOP, ensuring its quality and regional authenticity. This cheese is often enjoyed on its own or paired with rustic bread and a light wine.

What's the Difference Between Havarti Cheese and Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

• Origin: Havarti Cheese (Denmark), Picodon de Chevre Cheese (France)
• Milk type: Havarti Cheese (cow's milk), Picodon de Chevre Cheese (goat's milk)
• Milk treatment: Havarti Cheese (pasteurized), Picodon de Chevre Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Havarti Cheese (Smooth), Picodon de Chevre Cheese (soft, artisan)
• Rind: Havarti Cheese (rindless), Picodon de Chevre Cheese (natural)
• Taste: Havarti Cheese (Mild, buttery), Picodon de Chevre Cheese (sour, sweet)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Havarti Cheese Taste Like Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Picodon de Chevre Cheese brings sour, sweet character. On the nose, Havarti Cheese offers buttery, contrasted with Picodon de Chevre Cheese's goaty, pungent.

Can You Substitute Havarti Cheese for Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

Havarti Cheese can stand in for Picodon de Chevre Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery while Picodon de Chevre Cheese brings sour, sweet notes.

Which Is Better, Havarti Cheese or Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a smooth cheese, go with Havarti Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Picodon de Chevre Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Havarti Cheese suits recipes that want mild, buttery notes, while Picodon de Chevre Cheese fits dishes calling for sour, sweet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Havarti Cheese the same as Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Havarti Cheese originates in Denmark, while Picodon de Chevre Cheese comes from France. Havarti Cheese is made from cow milk; Picodon de Chevre Cheese uses goat.

Is Havarti Cheese similar to Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Havarti Cheese for Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Havarti Cheese taste like Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Picodon de Chevre Cheese is sour, sweet. Aromas also diverge. Havarti Cheese leans buttery, and Picodon de Chevre Cheese is closer to goaty, pungent.

What is Havarti Cheese made of?

Havarti Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It's typically aged about 3 months. It originates in Denmark.

What is Picodon de Chevre Cheese made of?

Picodon de Chevre Cheese is made from goat milk (unpasteurized). It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Havarti Cheese or Picodon de Chevre Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Havarti Cheese is smooth, while Picodon de Chevre Cheese is soft, artisan.