Cheese Database

Havarti vs Tilsit cheese

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.

Tilsit cheese, field guide plate
Tilsit cheese, photographed

Tilsit cheese

Facts

Milk
Cow
Texture
Semi-hard
Type
Washed rind
Rind
Washed rind
Country
Germany
Place
a light yellow semi-hard smear-ripened

Tilsit cheese is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from Germany, and the paste is light yellow under a washed rind. The style belongs to an East Prussian tradition, and German dairies still make it in wheels and in blocks. Makers rub the surface during ripening so a savory smear can develop. The interior stays moist and elastic, with small irregular holes or short cracks. Shoppers meet it as a table cheese that also melts.