Havarti Cheese vs Queijo do Pico
Havarti Cheese is a smooth cow-milk cheese from Denmark, while Queijo do Pico is soft and made from cow milk, originating in Portugal.
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 Queijo do Pico?
Queijo do Pico is a cured cow's milk cheese from the island of Pico in the Azores. It cures for 20 to 30 days into a flat cylinder with a yellow crust and a soft, pasty interior, and it has carried EU protected origin status since 1996.
What's the Difference Between Havarti Cheese and Queijo do Pico?
- Origin: Havarti Cheese (Denmark), Queijo do Pico (Portugal)
- Milk treatment: Havarti Cheese (pasteurized), Queijo do Pico (unpasteurized)
- Texture: Havarti Cheese (Smooth), Queijo do Pico (soft)
- Rind: Havarti Cheese (rindless), Queijo do Pico (natural)
- Aging: Havarti Cheese (about 3 months), Queijo do Pico (20 to 30 days)
- Taste: Havarti Cheese (Mild, buttery), Queijo do Pico (creamy, salty)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Havarti Cheese | Queijo do Pico | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark | Portugal |
| Specific Origin | Denmark | Azores |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Unpasteurized |
| Texture | Smooth | Soft |
| Rind | Rindless | Natural |
| Aging | About 3 months | 20 to 30 days |
| Taste | Mild, buttery | Creamy, salty |
Taste Comparison: Does Havarti Cheese Taste Like Queijo do Pico?
Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Queijo do Pico brings creamy, salty character. On the nose, Havarti Cheese offers buttery, contrasted with Queijo do Pico's aromatic, pleasant. Aging plays into this as well. Havarti Cheese at about 3 months develops a different profile than Queijo do Pico at 20 to 30 days.
Can You Substitute Havarti Cheese for Queijo do Pico?
In most recipes, Havarti Cheese and Queijo do Pico can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect smooth bite and body where the recipe calls for soft. Flavor-wise, Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery while Queijo do Pico brings creamy, salty notes.
Which Is Better, Havarti Cheese or Queijo do Pico?
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 profile, Queijo do Pico is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Havarti Cheese suits recipes that want mild, buttery notes, while Queijo do Pico fits dishes calling for creamy, salty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Havarti Cheese the same as Queijo do Pico?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Havarti Cheese originates in Denmark, while Queijo do Pico comes from Portugal. Aging also differs: Havarti Cheese is typically aged about 3 months, Queijo do Pico 20 to 30 days.
Is Havarti Cheese similar to Queijo do Pico?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Havarti Cheese for Queijo do Pico?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Havarti Cheese taste like Queijo do Pico?
Havarti Cheese reads as mild, buttery, while Queijo do Pico is creamy, salty. Aromas also diverge. Havarti Cheese leans buttery, and Queijo do Pico is closer to aromatic, pleasant.
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 Queijo do Pico made of?
Queijo do Pico is made from cow milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged 20 to 30 days. It originates in Portugal.
Which should I choose, Havarti Cheese or Queijo do Pico?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Havarti Cheese is smooth, while Queijo do Pico is soft.