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Havarti Cheese vs Raclette Cheese
Havarti Cheese
Raclette Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Havarti Cheese and Raclette Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Havarti Cheese and Raclette Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese and Raclette Cheese the same?"
- "How does Havarti Cheese compare to Raclette Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Havarti Cheese compare to Raclette Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese or Raclette 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 Cheese Overview
Raclette is a semi-hard cheese made from cow's milk, famous for melting beautifully. It is native to parts of Switzerland and France. The cheese is typically heated, either in front of a fire or by a special machine, then scraped onto diners' plates; it's commonly served with small potatoes, gherkins, pickled onions, and dried meat.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Raclette 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 Cheese has a .
Milk Type and Treatment
Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Raclette 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 Cheese has a moisture content of 36-44%. Raclette'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 Cheese has a mildly acidic taste.
Appearance and Aging
Havarti Cheese's appearance is available in rectangular . Raclette Cheese comes in wheel, 14-15 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches in height and weighing between 15 to 18 pounds and has an aging period of 3-4 months .
Rind and Rennet Type
Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind . Raclette Cheese's rind is described as washed , with animal rennet.
Ranking
Havarti is ranked #11 out of 996 types based on community views. Raclette is ranked #63 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Havarti | Raclette | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Riesling |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Havarti and Raclette pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Havarti Cheese | Raclette Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark | Switzerland |
| Specific Origin | No Specific Location | Alpine Regions |
| Certification | PGI (2010) | |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| 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 | Mildly acidic |
| Aroma | Pungent aroma, earthy taste | Not Specified |
| Forms | Rectangular | Wheel, 14-15 inches in diameter, approximately 3 inches in height and weighing between 15 to 18 pounds |
| Age | Not Specified | 3-4 months |
| 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 might be the better pick. Havarti has a mild, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Raclette offers a mildly acidic profile, ideal for different meals.
