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Havarti Cheese vs Taleggio Cheese
Havarti Cheese
Taleggio Cheese
In this article, we'll explore the answers to the most common questions about Havarti Cheese and Taleggio Cheese, including:
- "What is the difference between Havarti Cheese and Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese and Taleggio Cheese the same?"
- "How does Havarti Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese cheese?"
- "How does the taste of Havarti Cheese compare to Taleggio Cheese?"
- "Is Havarti Cheese or Taleggio 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.
Taleggio Cheese Overview
Taleggio is a semi-soft, washed-rind cheese from the Lombardy region of Italy. It has a strong aroma but a surprisingly mild, fruity, and slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as the cheese ages. Taleggio is excellent for melting and is often used in risottos or on polenta.
Comparing the Two Cheeses
Country of Origin
Havarti Cheese comes from Denmark. Taleggio 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). Taleggio Cheese has a PDO (1996).
Milk Type and Treatment
Havarti Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically pasteurized. Taleggio Cheese is made with cow milk that is typically heated.
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". Taleggio's texture can be described as "soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center".
Taste and Aroma
Havarti Cheese has a mild, buttery taste. Havarti's aroma can be described as "pungent aroma, earthy taste". Taleggio Cheese has a sweet, delicate, slightly sour taste. Taleggio's aroma can be described as "herbaceous, aromatic".
Appearance and Aging
Havarti Cheese's appearance is available in rectangular . Taleggio Cheese has a color of pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside , comes in square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight and has an aging period of at least 35 (up to 50) days .
Rind and Rennet Type
Havarti Cheese's rind is described as washed rind . Taleggio Cheese's rind is described as soft, thin, pinkish-red , with calf rennet.
Ranking
Havarti is ranked #8 out of 996 types based on community views. Taleggio is ranked #51 out of 996 types based on community views.
Pairing Comparison
| Havarti | Taleggio | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Amaro, Barleywine |
For more details, check the full pairing guides on the Havarti and Taleggio pages.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Havarti Cheese | Taleggio Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Denmark | Italy |
| Specific Origin | No Specific Location | Val Taleggio, Po Valley |
| Certification | PGI (2010) | PDO (1996) |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Pasteurized | Heated to 90–95°F |
| Fat Content | Max 50% moisture, min 23% fat | Not Specified |
| Moisture Content | 40–45% (Typically) | Not Specified |
| Rind | Washed rind | Soft, thin, pinkish-red |
| Texture | Smooth | Soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center |
| Taste | Mild, buttery | Sweet, delicate, slightly sour |
| Aroma | Pungent aroma, earthy taste | Herbaceous, aromatic |
| Colors | Not Specified | Pinkish-red rind, white to straw yellow inside |
| Forms | Rectangular | Square, 7–8 inches wide, 1.5–3 inches high, 3.7–4.8 pounds weight |
| Age | Not Specified | At least 35 (up to 50) days |
| Rennet Type | Not Specified | Calf rennet |
Which One Should You Choose?
If you prefer a smooth cheese, go for Havarti. But if you enjoy a soft, slightly melting under the rind, firmer towards the center consistency, Taleggio might be the better pick. Havarti has a mild, buttery taste, making it great for various dishes. Meanwhile, Taleggio offers a sweet, delicate, slightly sour profile, ideal for different meals.
