Havarti Cheese vs Ricotta Cheese

Havarti Cheese

Ricotta Cheese

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

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

Ricotta is a soft Italian cheese made from the whey left over from the production of other cheeses, primarily sheep, cow, goat, or buffalo milk. It has a creamy texture and a mild, sweet flavor, making it versatile for both savory dishes, like lasagna and ravioli, and sweet dishes, such as cheesecakes and cannoli.

Comparing the Two Cheeses

Country of Origin

Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Ricotta 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 is not a protected cheese.

Milk Type and Treatment

Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Ricotta Cheese is made with cow, goat, sheep, or buffalo milk that is typically unknown.

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 Cheese has a fat content of varies and a moisture content of 40–45% (typically). Ricotta's texture can be described as "soft, moist".

Taste and Aroma

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

Appearance and Aging

Havarti Cheese's appearance is available in rectangular . Ricotta Cheese has a color of white , comes in grainy soft mass and has an aging period of fresh .

Rind and Rennet Type

Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind . Ricotta Cheese's rind is described as none , with animal or microbial rennet.

Ranking

Havarti is ranked #9 out of 996 types based on community views. Ricotta is ranked #22 out of 996 types based on community views.

Pairing Comparison

Havarti Ricotta
Best Pairings Kolsch, Pinot Gris, Riesling Fruit Compote, Pumpkin
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 Albariño, Apricot, Asti Spumante, Bresaola, Honey, Honeycomb, Kiwi, Mangoes, Pesto, Raspberry, Roasted Vegetables, Strawberries

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

Side-by-Side Comparison Table

Havarti Cheese Ricotta Cheese
Country of Origin Denmark Italy
Specific Origin No Specific Location Not Specified
Certification PGI (2010) Not Specified
Milk Type Cow's milk Cow's, goat's, sheep's or water buffalo's milk
Milk Treatment Pasteurized Whey
Fat Content Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat Varies
Moisture Content 40–45% (Typically) High
Rind Washed rind None
Texture Smooth Soft, moist
Taste Mild, buttery Sweet, slightly creamy
Aroma Pungent aroma, earthy taste Mild
Colors Not Specified White
Forms Rectangular Grainy soft mass
Age Not Specified Fresh
Rennet Type Not Specified Animal or Microbial

Which One Should You Choose?

If you prefer a smooth cheese, go for Havarti. But if you enjoy a soft, moist consistency, Ricotta might be the better pick. Havarti has a mild, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Ricotta offers a sweet, slightly creamy profile, ideal for different meals.

Compare Havarti Cheese to Other Cheeses

Compare Ricotta Cheese to Other Cheeses

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