Cheddar Cheese vs Herve Cheese
Cheddar Cheese is a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cow-milk cheese from England, while Herve Cheese is soft, artisan and made from cow milk, originating in Belgium.
What Is Cheddar Cheese?
Cheddar is a relatively hard, off-white to orange cow's milk cheese from the village of Cheddar in Somerset, South West England. The name is not protected, so it is made worldwide, and it is the UK's most popular cheese at 51% of the national cheese market.
What Is Herve Cheese?
Herve is a Belgian washed rind cheese made from raw cow's milk in the countryside near Liège, where it has been produced since the 15th century. It is known for the powerful smell that Brevibacterium linens gives it after about three months of ripening.
What's the Difference Between Cheddar Cheese and Herve Cheese?
- Origin: Cheddar Cheese (England), Herve Cheese (Belgium)
- Milk treatment: Cheddar Cheese (Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized), Herve Cheese (raw)
- Texture: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline)), Herve Cheese (soft, artisan)
- Rind: Cheddar Cheese (Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic)), Herve Cheese (washed)
- Aging: Cheddar Cheese (A few months to several years), Herve Cheese (about 3 months)
- Taste: Cheddar Cheese (Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory), Herve Cheese (smooth, spicy)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Cheddar Cheese | Herve Cheese | |
|---|---|---|
| Country of Origin | England | Belgium |
| Specific Origin | Southwest (Somerset, Gloucester) | Herve, Province Of Liège, Belgium |
| Milk Type | Cow's milk | Cow's milk |
| Milk Treatment | Raw, Thermized, Pasteurized | Raw |
| Texture | Varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) | Soft, artisan |
| Rind | Varies (natural, cloth, wax, plastic) | Washed |
| Aging | A few months to several years | About 3 months |
| Taste | Mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory | Smooth, spicy |
Taste Comparison: Does Cheddar Cheese Taste Like Herve Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Herve Cheese brings smooth, spicy character. More specifically, Cheddar Cheese shows from mild and buttery to brothy and savory, with distinctive sharpness; variations in sweetness and flavor depending on the producer, while Herve Cheese leans toward sweet when young, spicy with age. Aging plays into this as well. Cheddar Cheese at a few months to several years develops a different profile than Herve Cheese at about 3 months.
Can You Substitute Cheddar Cheese for Herve Cheese?
In most recipes, Cheddar Cheese and Herve Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) bite and body where the recipe calls for soft, artisan. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory while Herve Cheese brings smooth, spicy notes.
Which Is Better, Cheddar Cheese or Herve Cheese?
There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline) cheese, go with Cheddar Cheese. For a soft, artisan profile, Herve Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Cheddar Cheese suits recipes that want mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory notes, while Herve Cheese fits dishes calling for smooth, spicy.
Which is your favorite?
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cheddar Cheese the same as Herve Cheese?
No, they're distinct cheeses. Cheddar Cheese originates in England, while Herve Cheese comes from Belgium. Aging also differs: Cheddar Cheese is typically aged a few months to several years, Herve Cheese about 3 months.
Is Cheddar Cheese similar to Herve Cheese?
Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.
Can I substitute Cheddar Cheese for Herve Cheese?
You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.
Does Cheddar Cheese taste like Herve Cheese?
Cheddar Cheese reads as mild to sharp, buttery to brothy and savory, while Herve Cheese is smooth, spicy.
What is Cheddar Cheese made of?
Cheddar Cheese is made from cow milk (raw, thermized, pasteurized), using animal; microbial chymosin in vegetarian and kosher versions rennet. It's typically aged a few months to several years. It originates in England.
What is Herve Cheese made of?
Herve Cheese is made from cow milk (raw). It's typically aged about 3 months. It originates in Belgium.
Which should I choose, Cheddar Cheese or Herve Cheese?
It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Cheddar Cheese is varies (rubbery to friable and crystalline), while Herve Cheese is soft, artisan.