Cheese Database

Havarti vs Oltermanni

Havarti, field guide plate

Havarti

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-soft
Type
Pressed
Rind
Natural rind
Country
Denmark
Place
Øverød, Zealand

Havarti is a creamy semi-soft cheese from Denmark, first associated with Øverød on Zealand. It is made from cow's milk and has a supple, buttery paste with many small irregular openings. The usual flavor is mild, slightly acidic, and a little sweet. Cream-style Havarti is richer and softer than the plainer loaf. Both are sold as slicing cheeses that also melt well on warm bread.

Oltermanni, field guide plate
Oltermanni, photographed

Oltermanni

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-soft
Type
Pressed
Rind
No rind
Country
Finland

Oltermanni is a brand of mild cow's milk cheese from Finland. Valio makes it, and the name is the Finnish word for an alderman. The cheese is often compared with Havarti, though it is its own product, sold in blocks, slices, and smaller pieces. The taste is gentle, creamy, and a little tangy, and it is less salty than many everyday slicing cheeses. Families in Finland put it on bread more often than they set it out as a rare tasting wheel.