Havarti Cheese vs Raclette du Valais Cheese

In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Havarti Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese, including:

  • "What is the difference between Havarti Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese?"
  • "Is Havarti Cheese and Raclette du Valais Cheese the same?"
  • "How does Havarti Cheese compare to Raclette du Valais Cheese cheese?"
  • "How does the taste of Havarti Cheese compare to Raclette du Valais Cheese?"
  • "Is Havarti Cheese or Raclette du Valais 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.

Raclette du Valais Cheese Overview

Raclette du Valais is a type of Raclette from the Swiss canton of Valais. It is a PDO product, known for its exceptionally creamy texture and robust flavor that enhances when melted. This cheese is traditionally made using raw cow’s milk and enjoyed as part of the iconic raclette meal.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Raclette du Valais 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). Raclette du Valais Cheese has a GI (2011).

Milk Type and Treatment

Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Raclette du Valais Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically raw.

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". Raclette du Valais Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette du Valais's texture can be described as "semisoft, smooth".

Taste and Aroma

Havarti Cheese has a mild, buttery taste. Havarti's aroma can be described as "pungent aroma, earthy taste". Raclette du Valais Cheese has a 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' taste.

Appearance and Aging

Havarti Cheese's appearance is available in rectangular . Raclette du Valais Cheese comes in wheel, specific to aoc standards, made in the canton of valais and has an aging period of minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker .

Rind and Rennet Type

Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind . Raclette du Valais Cheese's rind is described as washed , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Havarti is ranked #9 out of 996 types based on community views. Raclette du Valais is ranked #298 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Havarti Raclette du Valais
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 Raclette du Valais pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Havarti Cheese Raclette du Valais Cheese
Country of Origin Denmark Switzerland
Specific Origin No Specific Location Canton Of Valais
Certification PGI (2010) GI (2011)
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk, Eringer breed
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Raw
Fat Content Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat Not Specified
Moisture Content 40–45% (Typically) 36-44%
Rind Washed rind Washed
Texture Smooth Semisoft, smooth
Taste Mild, buttery 'Slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal'
Aroma Pungent aroma, earthy taste Not Specified
Forms Rectangular Wheel, specific to AOC standards, made in the canton of Valais
Age Not Specified Minimum of 3-4 months, can vary based on cheesemaker
Rennet Type Not Specified Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a smooth cheese, go for Havarti. But if you enjoy a semisoft, smooth consistency, Raclette du Valais might be the better pick. Havarti has a mild, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Raclette du Valais offers a 'slightly lactic', 'milky', 'mildly acidic', 'fresh butter', 'floral', 'vegetal' profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Havarti Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Raclette du Valais Cheese to Other Cheeses

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