Havarti

Havarti or Cream Havarti is a semi-soft Danish cheese made from cow's milk. It is a popular table cheese that can be sliced, grilled, or melted.

History

Havarti was first made in the mid-19th century by a Danish farmer's wife, Hanne Nielsen, who travelled around Europe to learn the art of cheesemaking. She named the cheese after her farm, 'Havarthigaard' in Øverød, north of Copenhagen.

Production

Havarti is made by introducing rennet to milk, causing it to curdle. The curds are then pressed into cheese molds which are drained, and then the cheese is aged. Havarti is a washed curd cheese, which contributes to the subtle flavor of the cheese.

Characteristics

Havarti is a semi-soft cheese that has a buttery aroma and can be somewhat sharp in the stronger varieties. The taste is buttery, and from somewhat sweet to very sweet, and it is slightly acidic. It is typically aged about three months, though when it is older it becomes more salty and tastes like hazelnut. When left at room temperature, the cheese tends to soften quickly.

Varieties

There are many types of Havarti available, some of which include:

• Cream Havarti: A high-cream version of Havarti cheese.
• Flavored Havarti: Havarti is often flavored with spices, herbs, or other ingredients, such as dill, caraway, jalapeño, and garlic.

Uses

Havarti is a versatile cheese that can be used in a variety of dishes. It can be sliced and used in sandwiches, melted in dishes like macaroni and cheese, or simply served on a cheese platter.

See also

• List of cheeses
• Danish cuisine