Havarti Cheese vs Ricotta Salata Cheese

Havarti Cheese

Ricotta Salata Cheese

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

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

Ricotta Salata Cheese Overview

Ricotta Salata is a pressed, salted, dried, and aged version of ricotta, which turns it into a firm, crumbly cheese with a mild, milky flavor and a slightly salty bite. It's frequently grated over pasta, salads, or used in cooked dishes where a gentle cheese flavor is desired.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Ricotta Salata Cheese originated from Italy.

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). Ricotta Salata is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Ricotta Salata Cheese is made with sheep milk.

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". Ricotta Salata's texture can be described as "semi-hard, whey".

Taste and Aroma

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

Appearance and Aging

Havarti Cheese's appearance is available in rectangular .

Rind and Rennet Type

Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind .

Ranking

Havarti is ranked #8 out of 996 types based on community views. Ricotta Salata is ranked #68 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Havarti Ricotta Salata
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 Vinho Verde

For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Havarti and Ricotta Salata pages.

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Havarti Cheese Ricotta Salata Cheese
Country of Origin Denmark Italy
Specific Origin No Specific Location Not Specified
Certification PGI (2010) Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's milk Sheep's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Not Specified
Fat Content Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat Not Specified
Moisture Content 40–45% (Typically) Not Specified
Rind Washed rind Not Specified
Texture Smooth Semi-hard, whey
Taste Mild, buttery Not Specified
Aroma Pungent aroma, earthy taste Not Specified
Forms Rectangular Not Specified

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a smooth cheese, go for Havarti. But if you enjoy a semi-hard, whey consistency, Ricotta Salata might be the better pick.

Compare Havarti Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Ricotta Salata Cheese to Other Cheeses

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