Herve Cheese vs Urdă Cheese

Herve Cheese is a soft, artisan cow-milk cheese from Belgium, while Urdă Cheese is creamy, delicate and made from cow, goat, or sheep milk, originating in Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.

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 Urdă Cheese?

Urdă is a whey cheese made across Southeast Europe and in Hungary by boiling the whey drained from other cheeses. The paste is finely grained and silky, and most of it ends up in desserts and filled pastries.

What's the Difference Between Herve Cheese and Urdă Cheese?

• Origin: Herve Cheese (Belgium), Urdă Cheese (Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine)
• Milk type: Herve Cheese (cow's milk), Urdă Cheese (cow's, goat's or sheep's milk)
• Milk treatment: Herve Cheese (raw), Urdă Cheese (unpasteurized)
• Texture: Herve Cheese (soft, artisan), Urdă Cheese (Creamy, delicate)
• Rind: Herve Cheese (washed), Urdă Cheese (Yellowish)
• Aging: Herve Cheese (about 3 months), Urdă Cheese (Up to 360 days)
• Taste: Herve Cheese (smooth, spicy), Urdă Cheese (High quality)

Side-by-Side Comparison

Taste Comparison: Does Herve Cheese Taste Like Urdă Cheese?

Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy, while Urdă Cheese brings high quality character. On the nose, Herve Cheese offers pungent, strong, contrasted with Urdă Cheese's fresh. More specifically, Herve Cheese shows sweet when young, spicy with age, while Urdă Cheese leans toward creamier and superior sensory qualities compared to mizithra. Aging plays into this as well. Herve Cheese at about 3 months develops a different profile than Urdă Cheese at up to 360 days.

Can You Substitute Herve Cheese for Urdă Cheese?

Herve Cheese can stand in for Urdă Cheese in many dishes, but the switch will shift the overall character of the recipe. Expect soft, artisan bite and body where the recipe calls for creamy, delicate. Flavor-wise, Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy while Urdă Cheese brings high quality notes.

Which Is Better, Herve Cheese or Urdă Cheese?

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Herve Cheese the same as Urdă Cheese?

No, they're distinct cheeses. Herve Cheese originates in Belgium, while Urdă Cheese comes from Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine. Herve Cheese is made from cow milk; Urdă Cheese uses cow, goat, or sheep. Aging also differs: Herve Cheese is typically aged about 3 months, Urdă Cheese up to 360 days.

Is Herve Cheese similar to Urdă Cheese?

Not closely. They use different milk bases and have distinct profiles.

Can I substitute Herve Cheese for Urdă Cheese?

You can, but expect a shift in richness and milk character.

Does Herve Cheese taste like Urdă Cheese?

Herve Cheese reads as smooth, spicy, while Urdă Cheese is high quality. Aromas also diverge. Herve Cheese leans pungent, strong, and Urdă Cheese is closer to fresh.

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 Urdă Cheese made of?

Urdă Cheese is made from cow, goat, or sheep milk (unpasteurized). It's typically aged up to 360 days. It originates in Bulgaria, Hungary, Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Ukraine.

Which should I choose, Herve Cheese or Urdă Cheese?

It depends on the dish. The texture difference is the biggest practical tell. Herve Cheese is soft, artisan, while Urdă Cheese is creamy, delicate.