Havarti Cheese vs Red Leicester Cheese

Havarti Cheese

Red Leicester Cheese

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

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

Red Leicester Cheese Overview

Red Leicester is a traditional English cheese made from cow's milk, similar to cheddar but with a more moist, crumblier texture and a milder flavor. It's notable for its vibrant orange color, achieved by adding annatto to the milk. Aged Red Leicester develops a slightly nutty taste, making it a favorite for cheese platters and grating over dishes.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Red Leicester Cheese originated from United Kingdom.

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). Red Leicester is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Red Leicester Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized or 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". Red Leicester Cheese has a fat content of high and a moisture content of 40–45% (typically). Red Leicester's texture can be described as "hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly".

Taste and Aroma

Havarti Cheese has a mild, buttery taste. Havarti's aroma can be described as "pungent aroma, earthy taste". Red Leicester Cheese has a caramel, sweet taste. Red Leicester's aroma can be described as "mild".

Appearance and Aging

Havarti Cheese's appearance is available in rectangular . Red Leicester Cheese has a color of reddish-orange , comes in traditional cylindrical, industrial block and has an aging period of 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial .

Rind and Rennet Type

Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind . Red Leicester Cheese's rind is described as clothbound (sparkenhoe farm), plastic (industrial) , with animal rennet.

Ranking

Havarti is ranked #11 out of 996 types based on community views. Red Leicester is ranked #69 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Havarti Red Leicester
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 Red Leicester pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Havarti Cheese Red Leicester Cheese
Country of Origin Denmark United Kingdom
Specific Origin No Specific Location Leicestershire
Certification PGI (2010) Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Unpasteurized (Sparkenhoe Farm), Pasteurized (others)
Fat Content Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat High
Moisture Content 40–45% (Typically) Medium
Rind Washed rind Clothbound (Sparkenhoe Farm), Plastic (industrial)
Texture Smooth Hard, similar to Cheddar but more moist, crumbly
Taste Mild, buttery Caramel, sweet
Aroma Pungent aroma, earthy taste Mild
Colors Not Specified Reddish-orange
Forms Rectangular Traditional cylindrical, industrial block
Age Not Specified 6 months (traditional), varies for industrial
Rennet Type Not Specified Animal

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a smooth cheese, go for Havarti. But if you enjoy a hard, similar to cheddar but more moist, crumbly consistency, Red Leicester might be the better pick. Havarti has a mild, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Red Leicester offers a caramel, sweet profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Havarti Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Red Leicester Cheese to Other Cheeses

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