Herve Cheese vs Port Salut Cheese

Herve Cheese is a soft cow-milk cheese from Belgium, while Port Salut Cheese is semi-soft and made from cow milk, originating in France.

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 Is Port Salut Cheese?

Port Salut is a semi-soft pasteurized cow's milk cheese from Pays de la Loire, France. Trappist monks developed it in the 19th century, and it is known for its orange rind, its smooth sliceable paste and its mild flavor.

What's the Difference Between Herve Cheese and Port Salut Cheese?

• Origin: Herve Cheese (Belgium), Port Salut Cheese (France)
• Milk treatment: Herve Cheese (raw), Port Salut Cheese (pasteurized)
• Texture: Herve Cheese (Soft), Port Salut Cheese (Semi-soft)
• Taste: Herve Cheese (smooth, spicy), Port Salut Cheese (acidic, mellow)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Herve Cheese Taste Like Port Salut Cheese?

Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy, while Port Salut Cheese brings acidic, mellow character. On the nose, Herve Cheese offers pungent, strong, contrasted with Port Salut Cheese's strong, increasing with age. More specifically, Herve Cheese shows sweet when young, spicy with age, while Port Salut Cheese leans toward mild, with the strength of a mature cheese showing in the smell rather than the taste.

Can You Substitute Herve Cheese for Port Salut Cheese?

In most recipes, Herve Cheese and Port Salut Cheese can be swapped with reasonable results. Both are cow-milk cheeses, so the base character carries over. Expect soft bite and body where the recipe calls for semi-soft. Flavor-wise, Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy while Port Salut Cheese brings acidic, mellow notes.

Which Is Better, Herve Cheese or Port Salut Cheese?

There's no single winner. It depends on your recipe and the profile you want. If you want a soft cheese, go with Herve Cheese. For a semi-soft profile, Port Salut Cheese is the better fit. Flavor-wise, Herve Cheese suits recipes that want smooth, spicy notes, while Port Salut Cheese fits dishes calling for acidic, mellow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Herve Cheese the same as Port Salut Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Herve Cheese originates in Belgium, while Port Salut Cheese comes from France.

Is Herve Cheese similar to Port Salut Cheese?

Somewhat. They share a cow-milk base but diverge in texture and flavor.

Can I substitute Herve Cheese for Port Salut Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in bite and mouthfeel.

Does Herve Cheese taste like Port Salut Cheese?

Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy, while Port Salut Cheese is acidic, mellow. Aromas also diverge. Herve Cheese leans pungent, strong, and Port Salut Cheese is closer to strong, increasing with age.

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.

What is Port Salut Cheese made of?

Port Salut Cheese is made from cow milk (pasteurized). It originates in France.

Which should I choose, Herve Cheese or Port Salut Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Herve Cheese is soft, while Port Salut Cheese is semi-soft.